Bradenton Dog

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Kim Longstreet: Pet Photographer

Kim Longstreet’s journey into pet photography all started when she adopted her dog, Nyla, from The Humane Society of Sarasota County.

“She has taught me how to live life in the moment and is a constant source of inspiration. Not to mention, she makes me laugh out loud on a regular basis”, Longstreet said of her pup.

Kim and Nyla

At the time Nyla was adopted, Kim already had over 10 years of professional photographic experience under her belt, working in several aspects of the business from commercial production to portraiture.  While these were instrumental and career building – they were not to be the long term path for Kim.

Now as a professional pet photographer Kim is not only is using her photographic skills and experiencing the joy of working with animals.


“I am truly blessed and thankful to be able to do what I love for a living.  I believe I have the best clients in the world.  It is so gratifying to see the expression on my client’s face when I hand them their beloved pet pictured on an oversized canvas, or in a coffee table book filled with images of their photo session.”

Kim’s passion led to volunteering at our local Humane Society, photographing the shelter’s pets for the HSSC’s website.  Truly a labor of love, the beautiful images she creates can mean the difference between adoption or not.

Originally from Ohio, Kim and her husband moved to Sarasota in 2001 so that she could attend Ringling College of Art and Design. Over the past 10 years they have set down roots here and made their home in the SRQ-Bradenton area.

Kim’s husband Steve Phelps, an Executive Chef is about to open a restaurant in the downtown neighborhood of Sarasota called Indigenous.  The restaurant will feature seasonal American cuisine, is set to open in August 2011.  Will Indigenous be dog-friendly?  You bet.

To find out more information about DogStreet Pet Photography, please visit
www.dogstreetphoto.com

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Don’t walk by a dog in a hot car

Some tips from the ASPCA.


Rayne Nolte was in the parking lot of a Mankato, Minnesota, mall last week when she spotted Roxie, a Yorkie mix, trapped in a car. The temperature was 88 degrees with a heat index of 103, and the car’s owner was gone.

You may have found yourself in Rayne’s situation before. Many pet parents believe that cracking a window is enough to keep their dogs cool in the car while they make a quick pit stop—but they couldn’t be more wrong. “Automobile temperatures can very quickly rise to dangerous levels; the average temperature increase in a parked car is 40 degrees, and the majority of this increase occurs in the first 15 to 30 minutes,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. When it’s 80 degrees outside, your car will be a staggering 114 degrees after 30 minutes!

Worse still, dogs can’t cool themselves down as easily as people, and once they overheat, they can suffer extensive organ damage or die. Luckily, Rayne made all the right moves. Follow her lead by taking these simple steps.

Step 1: Try to Locate the Pet Parent
Roxie’s people were nowhere in sight, so Rayne called mall security, who tried to find Roxie’s family through the loudspeaker. (You can ask most stores to do this.)

Step 2: Educate
Rayne couldn’t find Roxie’s pet parents, but if you do, explain the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car. Make sure the pet gets out of the car as soon as possible.

Step 3: Call 911
Fourteen states have enacted specific laws that protect dogs in hot cars, as have many municipalities—but even in places lacking such a law, leaving an animal in a hot car may constitute cruelty.

Rayne and the mall security officers dialed 911. When the police pulled Roxie from the steamy vehicle, she was very ill but soon on the road to recovery.

Step 4: Pat Yourself on the Back
Pets are counting on people like you to save their lives. Rayne rescued Roxie just in time, and she made a full recovery! And according to the Mankato Free Press, the pet-sitter who left Roxie in the car was charged with a petty misdemeanor.

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Planning for Stormy Weather

by: Lauren R. Tharp

Summer is here!  Unfortunately, that means that Hurricane Season is here as well.  From early June through November, you’ll need to be prepared—not just for your own safety, but for that of your dog!

The Importance of Being Prepared

We cannot stress enough how important it is to be prepared for disaster ahead of time.  Some items to keep on hand are:

  • Your dog’s medical records. Pet shelters, if you end up needing one, will require proof of vaccination.  Tip: Pet shelters fill up very quickly during disaster situations. Call in ahead of time!
  • A leash and a collar with identification tags (and Rabies tags, if possible). You might also consider getting a muzzle.  Your doggie pal may be the most gentle animal on this earth, but, in the face of a hurricane, his nature may change.  Animals experiencing extreme fear have been known to act out of character.
  • Your dog’s crate, if you own one (for easier travel).  If you don’t have one, now is the time to go shopping – check Goodwill or even a garage sale, just be sure to wash with hot, soapy water!
  • A current photograph of your dog. If possible, scan it in and save a copy onto two separate flash drives—save one for yourself and send one to a trusted friend or relative.
  • Food and water. You probably already have some “emergency kit” food and water set aside for yourself—Do the same for your dog!
  • A WRITTEN COPY OF YOUR EVACUATION PLAN. Yes, you’ve got a plan; however, if disaster strikes, you may be too panicked to remember it!  Write it all down and keep it with the rest of your evacuation items.  And don’t forget to include your pooch in on the plan: Take note of the names of pet shelters, local vets, and any other potential doggie sanctuaries in your area.

Tip: Keep all paperwork in waterproof containers

After the Storm

Depending on how hard your area is hit by the storm, things in and around your house may change severely.  Dogs are creatures of habit and this can be just as frightening for them as the hurricane itself!  Stay calm and walk your doggie on his leash and reintroduce him to his home and neighborhood.  Over the next few days, monitor his behavior closely until you’re sure he’s “cool” with everything.  And, good luck!

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A Sweet, Juicy T-Bone

Get a load of Mr. T-Bone, Bradenton! He’s a sweet 3 year old purebred Jack Russell Terrier.

I am a sweet dog with lots of energy that loves to play with my stuffed toys. As you can see, I am small with white and tan coloring. I am heartworm positive but please don’t let that discourage you, as the nice people here at the Humane Society of Manatee County are treating me now and soon I’ll be back to my happy self again. I’m just over 3 years old, I’ve been fixed and housetrained! I’m looking for a loving family to take me home. Could it be with you? Please call 941-747-8808 x313 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment to come meet me!

 

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Safety Tips for the Fourth of July

Happy 4th!

We all look forward to this weekend – kind of a mid-point of summer- when we can kick back and really celebrate. With the sporadic rain showers coming down over the last few days – your plans may have changed. Cheryl Brady of VetCare Express reminded us of these important tips when the fireworks and festivities start.

Provide a “safe place” for your dog. If they are already crate-trained, place them in their crates with some favorite chew toys and a blanket. Containing your dog in a familiar place will help them feel more secure.

If your party has to move inside to take cover, chances are the host and friends will be running back and forth to the barbecue grill. If you are at home with friends, make sure everyone knows to pull the doors shut and ensure that your dog stays inside. It’s easy for a guest to let someone with four legs accidentally slip out. If you haven’t checked your dogs ID tags lately, this is a great time to make sure that he’s wearing up-to-date tags. If you notice that your dog is overly sensitive to loud noises – check with your veterinarian – there may be a natural non-sedating remedy to help your dog through thunderstorms and the 4th of July.

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Manatee County Cares – 300+ attended the Rally for Animals

Manatee County residents showed their support of funding for animals and the adoption services provided by the County Thursday June 16.  More than 300 people stood together in unity on the steps of the Old Courthouse in downtown Bradenton.

This event was not long in the making. . . really only 3 days of grassroots networking motivated a generous crowd demonstrating the importance of this issue.

This event was organized by the Humane Society of Manatee.

If you are interested in learning more about activities that support animal rescue in our area, please attend the to the Manatee Animal Coalition meeting this Monday, 4pm on the 4th floor at the County Commission building (1112 Manatee Ave. W)

Special thanks to Farrel Hansen for photos of this event!