Clutch's Audio Portrait Session

I’m a sucker for an underbite. So naturally I fell in love when I met Clutch, a sweet, scruffy little pup. Clutch’s human parents, Nicole and Andrew, didn’t sport an underbite, but were also quite sweet and fun. When they reached out to me for a portrait session I was ecstatic. They live at The Domain, a very cool retail and residential area in Austin, and chose to focus their session on their relationship and their puppy. I had a lot of fun during this session and this young couple and their energetic pup, Clutch were perfect subjects for one of my new Audio Portraits.

This Audio Portrait is a bit different than some of the others I have done for my Petributes package, which is designed specifically for elderly pets or those diagnosed with illnesses. Instead, this Audio Portrait focused on a young dog and his new and budding relationship with his human parents. It is very rewarding to honor the impact these pets have on our lives when things are going great and everyone is happy and healthy. While being able to bring artistry to end of life situations can have a tremendous impact, honoring the beginning stages can be just as meaningful for myself and my clients.

Clutch had a lot of energy but seemed to eat up the camera– really the only challenge we faced that day for the session!

The Best Pet Friendly Hotels in Austin, Texas

Whether you're heading down to Austin for a staycation or traveling from afar to our wonderful city, many people don't want to be without their furry friends. Where, then, can you stay? We are fortunate here in Austin to have a lot of great options around various parts of the area. Here is our list of the best pet friendly hotels in Austin, Texas:

Archer Hotel

3121 Palm Way, Austin, TX 78758

This beautiful boutique hotel is part of the fun, fashion forward DOMAIN Northside. The hotel accepts dogs up to 25 lbs on request. Do keep in mind that a non-refundable $150 cleaning deposit is required for your stay.

The Highlander Hotel 

6200 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, TX, 78752

Located in the Highland area of Austin, the Highlander has a fun, funky vibe that Austinites are loving. The fact that they're pet friendly is an added bonus!

Holiday Inn Austin Airport 

6711 East Ben White Blvd Austin, TX 78744

This beautiful, new, and affordable option is located near the airport with easy downtown access. Pets are allowed, but keep in mind that there is a $50 pet deposit per stay, plus an additional $15 fee per night.

Four Seasons Hotel in Austin

98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

This luxury downtown hotel sits on the banks of Lady Bird Lake, with resort-like features and gorgeous views. Dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals under 60 lbs are welcome. There are also a variety of complimentary add ons for your furry best friend!

Hotel Granduca in Austin

320 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Bldg. B, Austin, TX 78746

Located atop a hillside oasis on Bee Caves Rd and Loop 360, the Hotel Granduca is easily accessible to the Westlake area, as well as a quick drive to downtown. Pets under 50 lbs are welcome with a maximum of two total pets per stay. There is a $125 non-refundable fee for your pet, which is donated to a local shelter.

What do you think, Austin pet parents? Are you planning to stay at any of these hotels?

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a Content Manager and Brand Strategist, helping businesses with their social media presence, SEO, and brand strategy. When she’s not busy blogging or strategizing, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on her personal blog or Instagram.

The Health Benefits of Homemade Pet Treats, From A Veterinarian

We all love to spoil our pets, and for many of them, treats are a part of this every day love. Sure, you can get pet treats pretty much anywhere, but what could be better than a treat made with lots of love, right at home? Did you know that there are also a lot of health benefits of homemade pet treats? What's more, these treats make great gifts for folks on a budget who have pet loving friends. You just whip up a batch of personalized pet treats, put them in a nice mason jar, and there you go -- unique and cost-effective holiday gifts!

One important health related benefit to homemade treats is that they can be sized specifically for your pet. You can certainly purchase treats of different sizes commercially, but it isn't great if your pet's favorite treat is way too big for her. From 2 pound Chihuahuas to 200 pound Mastiffs, homemade treats can be exactly the right size.

Another benefit is that you choose the ingredients. If you have a pet with a food sensitivity, you can be sure that the treats you give him will be safe for his stomach and skin. Anyone with pets who suffer from food allergies knows that finding treats and foods for your pet can be frustrating.

Here's a little peek into the science behind homemade pet treats, too! First of all, your pet's treats are not a balanced diet. All the treats your pet consumes in a day should account for no more than 20% of his or her caloric intake. Eighty percent of the calories need to come from an AAFCO balanced diet (the AAFCO statement is in small print on the back of all commercial foods that are balanced). What's not on the bag or can is the calorie content. You're going to have to do some math here, as well as some internet research. If you email me photos of your pet's food, as well as the recipe you use for your pet's treats (or photos of your pet's commercial treats), I will do the math for you and let you know how much you can give. I can be reached at info@doorstep-vet.com! Other than controlling calories, don't forget that there are some delicious ingredients our pets can't enjoy. Here are some ingredients that you'll want to avoid:

• Walnuts

• Raisins

• Chocolate

• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)

• Onions or Onion Powder

• Garlic or Garlic Powder

• Macadamia Nuts

Now, onto the recipes! Though I am not the creator of the recipes, I did review and approve them for pet safety. Follow these links to some safe and fun pet treats. Feel free to use cookie cutters and create fun, personalized shapes that also make terrific gifts.  Here are the recipes below:

• Dog Treat Kitchen

• Joy the Baker (for cat treats!)

• Martha Stewart (the last recipe called Martha’s Dog Food is not a balanced dog food, but also a treat)

I hope you and your furry friends will enjoy this adventure. Don't forget to stop by Joy the Baker’s page for a photographic journey of what it means to let your pet help to bake!

About the Author:

Casey Hill, DVM, cVMA

Dr. Casey Hill, the Doorstep Vet, graduated from veterinary school in 2010 at Virginia Tech. Upon graduation she moved to Austin with her husband, Christian, and two cats. Since that time she has been working to keep the pets of Austin happy and healthy. She has worked as a traditional cat, dog, and exotics practitioner but now concentrates on her housecall work with Doorstep Vet. Dr. Hill’s acupuncture training was completed in 2016 in Fort Collins, Colorado and she is excited to offer this valuable modality to her housecall patients. You can also follow her on Facebook!

Commissioned Fine Art by Norah Levine

I’ve been paying close attention to what fills me up as a creative person, and right now, that fulfillment is showing up in some exciting new ways. As you may have noticed, fine art has become a greater piece of my practice as an artist. I have been creating mixed media art pieces (combining photography and painting with beeswax and resin), which have sold to individuals in Texas, New Mexico, Illinois, beyond. I have been encouraged by the response to my work and continue to dive into the studio as much as I can to keep exploring. View some of my custom fine art pieces online HERE.

Art and the investing in art is very personal, which is why I want to get my clients involved in the process. After receiving several requests, I have decided to start offering Commissioned Fine Art! I love working with my hands to give photographs a unique environment of colors and textures in which to live. The commissioned art experience gives clients the opportunity to be involved in the creation of an art piece that truly fits their home and heart.

My Commissioned Fine Art is now offered as an a la carte option from new and previous portrait sessions, or even from your own photographs (these must be reviewed first to make sure the photographs will provide stunning results). Ten percent of every sale is also donated to an animal welfare non-profit!

The more I photograph and connect with people, the more I realize how important it is for what we surround ourselves with to be personal and meaningful. I’m so excited to get started working on these pieces and collaborating with my clients in a different way.

As the holidays approach, you may want to start thinking about a unique gift for someone you love, or for yourself!

This Commissioned Artwork is perfect for many different settings, including:

• Ranch Home Décor
• Home Redecorating
• New Home or Office
• Memorializing a Beloved Pet
• Restaurant/Business Décor
• Beautiful, Personalized Gifts
• Baby’s Nursery
• Honoring a Loved One

Contact me directly to find out more about commissioning a fine art piece! To view more of my fine art pieces, please feel free to browse my Instagram gallery. 

Should You Train Your Dog?

There are few relationships as incredible as the bond between dog and human. Most people couldn't imagine their life without their furry best friend, and training your dog not only helps strengthen your bond, but also serves as a great experience you can partake in together. Dog training can help eliminate unwanted behaviors and even help protect your pet from potentially hazardous situations. Should you train your dog? The short answer is yes! Here are some great reasons why:

1. Training enhances communication. Training teaches your dog to be more in tune with both your verbal and physical cues, such as commands and hand signals.
2. Training keeps your dog safe. Teaching dogs the basic commands such as sit, stay, and heel helps keep your dog out of danger because you will be able to tell her to stay in place instead of running into a busy street or chasing a car. If your dog accidentally becomes loose, you will also be able to call to her and have her return safely because she is accustomed to following your commands.
3. Training strengthens your bond. Dogs naturally fall to an alpha to look up to, and training allows you to better communicate and be on the same wavelength as your furry best friend. If you are the one training your dog as opposed to a professional trainer, this bond is strengthened even further.
4. Training socializes your dog. Dogs enjoy being around other dogs, and lack of socialization in dogs can lead to behavioral issues. Just like people, your dog needs to socialize in order to stay well-rounded. Training serves as a chance to meet other people and dogs if you're opting for group classes. You will also be more in tune with how your dog handles being around others, thereby helping you understand unwanted behaviors and be better able to stop them before they escalate.

Keep in mind that while some pet owners will choose to enroll their dog in training classes, others are comfortable training their dog themselves. Speak with some trainers and other pet owners to figure out which route is best for you and your family.

What do you think, Austin pet owners? Did you train your dog?

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She helps businesses with their social media presence, SEO, and brand strategy. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on her personal blog or Instagram.

Why You Should Choose a Rescue Dog for Your Family Pet

Dogs end up in shelters and rescues for many different reasons, whether they were surrendered by an owner, found as a stray, etc. Rescues also quite literally remove dogs from situations involving abuse or neglect and help them find safe, loving homes. Shelters and rescues are filled with beautiful, amazing dogs that could be a great addition to your family. Here are five reasons why you should consider a rescue dog:

1. You just might help save a life. Choosing a rescue dog can often literally that pet's life, as well as the life of another animal who can then take your pet's place in the shelter. There are many dogs who need great homes, and if you are looking to add a fur baby to your family, consider the many feel good benefits of a rescue dog.

2. Adoption can be more affordable. Rescue dogs often come with minimal fees, as well as with their first set of shots. Many adopted animals are already spayed and neutered as well. If you're set on a specific kind of dog, rescues sometimes have purebred dogs and waitlists where you can request a specific breed. This route will cost much less than purchasing a pet from a breeder or pet store.

3. Skip the house training. Some rescue dogs are already house trained, at least partially! Can you imagine if children also came potty trained? At any rate, it certainly makes life easier.

4. It's a way to fight the puppy mills. A puppy mill is a factory style facility that breeds dogs for profit without regard for their wellness. Dogs from these puppy mills are often very sick and neglected from being kept in such horrible conditions. By choosing a rescue dog, you aren't giving one cent of your hard earned money to these groups.

5. You'll get a more personalized approach to pet ownership. Rescue volunteers often screen the pets in their care and quickly discover if they have a specific temperament or certain aversions. This allows them to best match you with a pet that is a great fit for your family.

Remember that not every dog will be a good fit for every family. Be sure to lean on volunteers and employees to help guide you through the process of choosing the pet that best meets your needs. If you're looking to adopt here in the Austin area, there are some great organizations who can help. Contact Austin Pets Alive or Austin Humane Society, or the Austin Animal Center to name a few! Congratulations on choosing a rescue dog -- you won't regret it.

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on Instagram.

Local Love for Tomlinson's of Austin, Texas

It’s time to share some local love! I really enjoyed having the chance to create commercial photography for Tomlinson’s, an Austin, Texas based pet food and supply store. This project was so much fun, and I want to share with you a little bit about this company and my experience working with them.

Tomlinson’s has multiple locations in the Austin, Texas area. This is a family run business which was established in 1946. I have been shopping with Tomlinson’s since I moved to Austin over 7 years ago. Part of what I love about this company is that I trust the quality of food and products they offer. In addition, Tomlinson’s gives back to the community in huge ways. This really matters to me! They are constantly raising money for animal welfare groups, donating tons of pet food to those in need, and are currently making efforts to support the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

This particular project’s assignment was to photographically illustrate Tomlinson’s core values. I had the chance to photograph real customers and employees -- I even got to connect with some dogs via Austin Dog Rescue. These photographs were printed and displayed in large scale throughout multiple store locations, as well as in their headquarters. Fun stuff!

If you live in Austin, Texas and haven’t had the chance to check them out, I highly recommend stopping in. Thank you, Tomlinson’s, for all you do for the animals and the people who love them in the Austin area. Here are the core values that Tomlinson's represents: trust, rescue, growth, expertise, team, quality, delight, health, and display. I'm honored to have photographs that depict such values.

Raising Service Dogs: What Does It Entail?

At some point during your life, you have likely encountered someone with a service animal. What exactly is a service dog, and what is their purpose? Service dogs are specially trained to assist people in performing important life tasks. They help with everything from physical disorders to severe psychiatric disabilities. Physical impairments can be defined as any medical condition or disorder that affects one of the body systems. Examples include blindness, diabetes, cancer, and many more. Many people wonder how to raise a service dog and if it is a good fit for their lifestyle. Let's look a little bit closer at what it entails.

Who Can Raise Service Dogs?

Most if not all organizations require you to be 18 years of age or older to raise a service dog. If you're under 18 and you live with an adult as your co-applicant, this can also be approved in some cases. It's also important for the puppy's development to have supervision and socialization throughout the day, so you might need to discuss bringing the dog to your workplace or providing an alternative for socialization and care, according to CCI (Canine Companions for Independence). If the puppy is left unsupervised, he or she must be in an appropriate sized crate. Therefore, it's imperative that your lifestyle allows for these adaptations if you are choosing to raise a service dog.

Does it Cost Money to Raise a Service Dog?

With CCI, those raising a service dog are responsible for providing food, supplies, vet care, transportation, and other related expenses while the puppy is in their care. These expenses are usually tax deductible, and assistance is often given if any large veterinary expenses were to arise. However, every organization is different in what they cover, as well as the expenses that go along with raising a service dog.

Benefits of Raising Service Dogs

Raising a service dog has so many tremendous benefits, not just for you and your family, but for the impact that you're making on the world. You're truly changing lives and making a difference for people with disabilities. If you are raising service dogs with children in the home, you are teaching them compassion and empathy by showing them the sacrifice and hard work that will go into caring for an animal that you will ultimately be giving up in order to positively impact another person's life. Also, who doesn't love puppy snuggles?

How Do I Learn More?

There are many fantastic programs in the US that raise service dogs and match them with future owners. The best way to find them is to do a search and read about the different support, training, and requirements for each. You can then see which one is truly the best fit for your family. Reach out to your network, too, and see if anyone has raised a service dog and can discuss their experience with you! For those of you who are local to Austin, check out Service Dogs Inc to learn more about raising service dogs here in central Texas.

Are you thinking of raising a service dog? We want to hear about it!

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on Instagram.

Is Your Child Ready For A Pet?

We've discussed why having a pet is good for your health, but how do you know if your child ready to take on the responsibility of pet ownership? With benefits like decreased risk of allergies and lower stress levels, it's no wonder why many families are looking to add a furry friend to their family. Pets are also a great way to help children learn responsibility and empathy, two very important qualities that will serve them well through life. Before you jump in headfirst, though, here are some key points to keep in mind to determine if your child is ready for this awesome responsibility.

Make sure the pet is developmentally appropriate. First, ask yourself whether or not you will be actively participating in the care of your child's pet. For example, will your child be primarily responsible for feeding the dog each morning? Is he or she at an age where they can remember to do so? Is a snake or lizard really the best choice for your curious toddler? Make sure that the pet you are choosing and the responsibility you are bestowing align with your child's developmental stage.

Assess your child's maturity and responsibility level. We can all be a little forgetful at times, but generally, there are key characteristics your child should possess in order to be ready for a pet. He or she should be able to listen to and follow directions, have a generally calm nature, and show love and empathy towards animals. These are all signs that your child is ready for pet ownership.

How Does Your Child Act Around Pets? When you go to a friend or family member's house with a pet, is your child gentle and loving? Does he or she show a respect and appreciation for animals? If your child can't keep her hands to herself or tends to be a little too overly enthusiastic with animals, this might be a sign that she's not yet ready for a pet of her own.

Have a back-up plan. Pets are meant to be permanent members of the family -- think about why you are considering a pet. Is it mostly for your child, or are you also interested in caring for it? What happens when your child loses interest in the pet? Are you going to be there to step in and pick up the slack? If this isn't something you're ready or willing to do, a family pet is likely not a good fit.

Research different pets. Most children are drawn to cats and dogs, but make sure you really sit down and get a sense of this responsibility. Can your family comfortably afford vet bills? Do you have a smaller living space that isn't conducive to large tanks or larger dogs? Are you able to give your dog regular exercise? There are a lot of different factors to consider, and each family is going to have different circumstances to see which pet, if any, is right for them. Here's a great quiz to figure out which pet might be the best fit for you.

Do a Trial Run. Pet sit for a friend or neighbor and allow your child to help with the bulk of the responsibility. What is his or her reaction? Do they seem excited by the possibility of pet ownership, or does it seem like it will be too much work for them? This is a great (and temporary!) way to see if a pet is a good fit for your family.

One important aspect to keep in mind is that when you adopt a pet and bring a new animal into your home, it might take time for everyone to adjust. Your kids might need time to learn how to be responsible and gentle -- and that's ok!

What do you think, Austin parents? How did you know that a pet was right for your family?

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she's not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on Instagram.

Introducing Petributes

My photographs have often focused on the concepts of love, beauty, joy and connection– the stuff that I feel is worth holding onto closely. Now, I am bringing in the sounds.

I’m so excited to introduce my new Petribute package. This is a unique package that allows me to combine my long love affair with still imagery with the power of audio.

The inspiration behind this package:

Throughout my more than 15 years as a professional photographer, much of my work has focused on pet portraits. I have been fortunate to meet and photograph hundreds of sweet dogs, cats, horses and other creatures. I have also had the terrific opportunity to connect with many doting pet parents.

As much as I like to focus on the positive in all aspects of my life, there is a harsh reality to being a pet parent that needs to be considered. This is likely known, but it's nonetheless something I’ve had to think much about in the past couple years. The most difficult part about sharing our lives with these sweet creatures is that their lives are never long enough. Even when our pets advance well in their years, it just never feels like enough time. Many of us as pet owners are forced to deal with a pet’s illness -- to say it's incredibly difficult is an understatement.

I’ve experienced this loss firsthand, and I’ve been giving a lot of thought to how important it is to honor our beloved fur babies. I created the Petribute package in order to help honor aging and sick animals that are important parts of the family.

What’s this package about?

Investment in this unique offering includes a donated portrait session for senior pets and those diagnosed with serious illness. In addition to other sweet items, your pet will be honored with a 1-3 minute curated slideshow of your favorite session images, featuring audio of your voice and pet sounds that pay tribute to your beloved pet.

I remember struggling for ways to honor my pets when I have had to say goodbye, and I feel so strongly that this kind of tribute will help heal hearts and honor the memory of pets in a very special way.

Click to learn more about this package offering. If you have any further questions or wish to inquire as to whether this package is the right fit for your family, please feel free to reach out to me.