HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Do whatever it is that makes your heart sing!

I Believe I Can FLY!! | Phoenix Disc Dog Photographer

The third time was a charm when shooting the awesome 'Disc Duo' of Wendy and her uber-talented dog, Boost!  These two are an amazing team!  Now, understand I can't even throw a frisbee in a straight line let alone trying to throw it on a certain arc, at a certain height, all done while a dog is rebounding off my body!  And Boost can attest to that!  I tried throwing the disc for him and if dog's could laugh, I'm sure that's what he would have done!  But then, he's used to working with a pro!

We've tried to get this shoot done on three different occasions!  The first day was so overcast there wasn't enough light for good action shots.  The second time we got together I left the camera on the settings I'd been using the night before and the photos all came out with web-sized photos.  (Note to self...check and re-check the camera settings before a shoot!)  And the third time we NAILED it!  Wendy was such a sport about meeting me each time.  Boost was actually hoping we'd have to do it again because he can't get enough of this game!  He has this 'one-track mind' once he hits the park that says, "Throw the disc...throw the disc...throw the disc"! 

Here's a short series to show just how in-synch they are with each other...

And check out the height this dog gets...  Unreal!!

Thanks, Wendy...for being such a great sport about meeting me again and again!  And Booster...we'll have to come up with another reason to get you back to the park!

HO HO HO...! | Phoenix Area Pet Photographer

I had the chance to spend the afternoon with 'THE BIG GUY' himself!  He pulled himself away from the North Pole to spend the day at Petsmart!  All I can say is he must be a whole lot further ahead in his holiday preparations than I am!

I volunteered to take "Santa Paws" photos to benefit HALO Animal Rescue today.  They're an awesome organization that pulls wonderful dogs and cats off the euthanasia list at County and helps them find their 'forever' homes!  My little kitty, Mocha, who is curled up in my inbox right now, came from HALO 10 years ago!  I love her to death!!  She is always here to keep me company during long nights of editing! 

NO MORE HOMELESS PETS! A Holiday Message...

Best Friends is an organization near and dear to my heart!  A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit their Sanctuary in Kanab.  It's located in Angel Canyon, at the heart of the Golden Circle of National Parks in Southern Utah.  It's incredible there!  The views are breathtaking no matter which direction you look.

A year or so after that I spent a week with them in a rescue effort in Pahrump, NV.  They walked into a situation where there were thought to be 400 cats, and when all were counted they found over 750 cats living in an abusive situation.   It's an experience I'll never forget...

So, while I'm busy editing photos from the weekend, here's a Holiday video from Best Friends that you might enjoy!

AZ DOG SPORTS HOLIDAY PARTY | Phoenix Pet Photographer

I spent the day at AZ Dog Sports celebrating the Holidays... or should that be Howl-i-days?  I had the chance to photograph so many fun dogs!  If you haven't checked out this great 5000 s.f. indoor facility yet, you need to drop by next time you're in the area of Cactus and Tatum!   They offer a wide range of classes...  Everything from Puppy Classes & Socialization, Agility, Disc Dog, Herding, Canine Conditioning and so much more!

Here are just a few of of the decked out dogs that visited with Santa today...  And Santa was the BEST! 

A special thanks to all of you that let me photograph your dogs today!  And thank you for your donations to the Home Fur Good Animal Rescue.  I will have your photos up on the website as soon as possible!

This is Oshi...and it's as close as we could get to a smile!  But look at those soulful eyes!  I think he's telepathically communicating his wish list to Santa!

Puppy's First Christmas!  This is Secret... and I'm pretty sure she got a 'forever home' for Christmas!  (Oh wait... don't tell her Foster Mom I said that!)

Roxy got to spend some quality time with the big guy himself.  I'm sure even Santa couldn't say 'no' to those big brown eyes!

And finally, this is Quinn...  He waited all day to get his turn in front of the camera!  But there was no lack of energy even after partying all afternoon!  I LOVE Puppy Energy!

GIANT SCHNAUZER RESCUE FUN DAY AT DEER CREEK ANIMAL HOSPITAL!

One of the main fundraising events for the Vally of the Sun Giant Schnauzer Rescue is their Annual Fun Day held at  Deer Creek Animal Hospital.  There were games, raffles, agility, a demonstration by a trainer, and lots more!  I had the opportunity to photograph some of these beautiful dogs today; lots of Schnauzers and so many others that came to take part in the festivities!  The weather couldn't have been nicer... and it's mid-December!  Ya gotta LOVE living in Arizona!

The mission of VSGSR is rescue Giant Schnauzers in need, provide medical care when necessary, and find foster care placements where these dogs can begin the process of finding a forever home.  If you're looking for a 'gentle giant' to fall totally in love with, please check out some of their foster dogs!  Their big brown eyes will MELT. YOUR. HEART!

Here are just a few of the dogs I had the chance to play with today!

This is Maggie...  Can she rock these antlers, or what??!

These cuties sat still for about 2 seconds before they began pulling on each other's scarves and chasing Christmas Ornaments!  Before they grow up to be "Giants"...they look like this!

And the tinest Reindeer...uh...Reindog of all...  This is Dillon and he's about the size of a Schnauzer's paw!

This little Frenchie is "Chunk"!  Isn't he 'regal' looking?  He was partying with the Schnauzers!

A SLIGHT DIVERSION FROM PET PHOTOGRAPHY!

I don't shoot people very often!  I'm asked about it alot, but animals are my passion and I usually stay pretty close to the furry, feathered, reptilian or hooved beasts!  But when Lora asked me to do some family photos for her I couldn't say no!  This family is just TOO. MUCH. FUN!!  

I knew we'd have a blast the minute she contacted me!  We have one of those friendships that has lasted through the years!  We don't have time to get together often, but when we do, it's so easy just to pick up where we left off.  It's like we've never missed a beat! 

And they didn't disappoint!  We literally laughed through the entire session!  Everyone just projected so much positive energy!  They were up for trying anything!  So, until I get through the many photos from that session... here is a sneak peek of what's to come!

So, thanks Lora G. and family!  It was sooooo much fun!

Is this family gorgeous, or what??

A Great Little Stocking Stuffer!

Check out this adorable little pup!  What a great stocking stuffer!  You can get it here!  I want this little guy to brighten up my desk!

Happy Monday, everyone!

PHOTOS FROM LAST WEEKEND'S NADAC TRIAL HAVE BEEN POSTED!

Finally!  The photos from Jumping Chollas NADAC Trial are posted on the website!  Go to:  http://www.barbdelve.com/ and click on "Client Images".  Please pass this information on to your friends...  I only got about 35 e-mail addresses last weekend to notify people when the pictures were posted!  Post it on Facebook, your discussion groups and your 'agility' network! 

I had so much fun looking at all your dog's sweet faces!  I hope you like the photos!

HOLIDAY MINI-SESSION! | Phoenix Pet Photographer

This special Holiday Mini-Session is being held on Sunday, Dec. 12 at AZ Dog Sports.  If you're not familiar with this great indoor dog gym this will be a great opportunity to come check it out and find out about the awesome classes they offer! 

We will have lots of fun collars, antlers and Santa hats available for the dogs to wear! Feel free to bring your own glitzy dog accessories for your pictures if you have them! 

There are only a limited number of time slots available so call today!  Appointments must be scheduled in advance by calling AZ Dog Sports at 602-237-6775.