When Age Has No Leash - Full Speed Ahead.

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Grizzabella and me - a selfie captured early this evening during our stroll.

Five weeks ago, we launched a Kickstarter (crowd-source-funding) program to finance the new book - When Age Has No Leash, Lessons learned from senior dogs.

Five months ago, we began photographing senior dogs for this project.  70+ dogs in all.

Two and one half years ago, Grizzabella inspired me to learn more about senior dogs.

Today, the project was funded.  It is at the printer.  It will arrive at the studio within two months.

Here's a video I created called The Making of When Age Has No Leash.

The video is my way of thanking every one for supporting this book.  It shows - just a bit - how much love I've felt and tried to share all along the way.

1964. Then and Now - as featured on Channel 13 & 4

Soon after the recent temblor (6.24 magnitude) Your Alaska LInk (Channel 13 & 4) contacted me for a perspective from someone who remembers the Great Alaska Earthquake in 1964.  Here's that story with excellent visuals.

Here's the video as featured on my YouTube Channel.

September 2014 Portrait Safari

A few days ago, I extended an invitation to friends on my personal Facebook page to take advantage of a Sunday Safari adventure.   Three families teamed up to join me on this hike.
Carolyn assisted throughout and made the difference between great photos and exceptional portraits.

Hope you enjoy these images.  We worked our tails off - and it was so worth the effort.

Another Sunday Safari is in my near future.  Interested?  Give me a call:  868-1680.
Different location - amazing Alaska fall scenery for you and yours.

Sarah. Bartlett Class of 2015

Wow!   Thank you Sarah.  What a way to start a beautiful Saturday - photographing you and your awesome pup Bella.  I love what we created for you today.  The photos shown here just barely reflect everything we created together with Carolyn's help.

Thanks!  Can't wait to show you the entire collection.  You were really, really fun to work with.

Brady has a wonderful life in his future!

At just 11-weeks old, Brady has it made!  He's an eleven-week old German Shepherd who lives in Bear Valley with an exceptional family.

After Brady offered a little blessing kiss to Layla (inviting her to come play) I walked into his log cabin home and paused while taking in portraits the beautiful dogs I've photographed the past couple of decades.  It was heartwarming and it meant a lot to me to be in their home again.

The results of our work - with Carolyn Frank's exceptional help - always excels when it's from the heart.

Anna, Tom, Toby Keith, Gracie, Molly and Petey

This was certainly one of my favorite afternoons of the fall.  Adventures with a fantastic family and their dogs - some of whom I've met before they were adopted by Anna and Tom.

As nearly always, these images happened with help from the always energetic and sparkling support and assistance of Carolyn - my assistant photographer.

What a spectacular day.  And this is a beautiful family.

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Six days remaining. 80% funded. Fingers crossed.

When Age Has No Leash, Lessons learned from animal companions is 20% away from its funding goal.  We're almost there!

You can still help.  That last 20% is required to make this a successful project through Kickstarter.  If I do not hit our 100% funding level of $16,000 the campaign goes away completely.  If 100% funding is reached, the book is a certainty.

Shown in the photo collage - an ad banner I'm using to reach out to Facebook users - includes thumbnail photos of 45 of the 70+ dogs featured in the book.  Most have full-page spreads with multiple portraits and personal testimonials from people who love their senior dogs.

The photographs and editorial are funny, inspiring and heartfelt.

The book is 8.5" x 11" when closed.  It is full-color and hardbound.  It will sit perfectly next to copies of It's Important to Paws.  And if you don't have the that book, I offer packages that include both.

If you prefer to avoid pledging online through Kickstarter, call me!  (907) 868-1680.  My staff or I will take pledges directly over the phone and tell you about the different levels and rewards for each pledge.  Pre-purchases help just as much as Kickstarter.  It all goes toward the same purpose.

Click HERE to see more about my Kickstarter campaign - but do it soon.  Time is running out.

Thank you!

The Pet Stop

I met Dr. Riley Wilson more than 30 years ago when he was a veterinarian at Anchorage Animal Hospital - - located off Tudor Road.  He was working with Dr. Scott at the time.

Immediately, I realized that Riley was an incredible talent.  The fact that he had a golden retriever of his own (I was bringing my original wonder dog Lindsay - a golden retriever - in for checkups) immediately connected me to him.

Three decades later and we continue to have an exceptional relationship.  He operates The Pet Stop these days.  For about three years, we were neighbors in the same building (1997-2000.)

Over the years I've photographed his entire staff - including most of the images viewed on The Pet Stop website.

This evening, Taylor and I photographed his staff - including 26 wonderful professionals (and friends), 24 dogs and a chinchilla.

I'm speechless beyond what I've already said.  This is an amazing group of people.

Click Here to visit The Pet Stop website.

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Polar Pug Rescue and Friends Pupsino Royale

Here's a fun slide show and a link to see a fun evening of disco dancing and fund raising for one of our favorite causes:  Polar Pug Rescue and Friends.

Thanks to the studio's Carolyn Franks for providing photography throughout the evening.

Click here to see the photo collection and information about purchasing prints.

Click here to see the slide show video on our YouTube Channel.
 

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When Age Has No Leash - Please pledge today.

We've reached the halfway point in the When Age Has No Leash Kickstarter fundraising campaign.  Less than two weeks remain and we're just a bit more that 50% to reaching our goal.

Please click THIS LINK and pledge today - while you're thinking about it.

This is a delightful book.  I've put months of work into creating images of dogs, ages 10-18, who prove that age is not a barrier to being a puppy in heart and mind.

Thank you so very much for considering a pledge.  Just $45 and you get a copy of the book and an exclusive When Age Has No Leash - Lessons learned from senior dogs Bookmark.

Times running out and I really want this book to become a reality.  I know it can happen with your help.

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Willis. Here for your entertainment.

Willis was a spectacular model during his session.  He's one of the most hilarious dogs I've photographed.  And yet, one of the most loving, too.

Thanks to Paula for bringing this absolutely delightful character in to the studio.  And thanks to Taylor for her assistance during the session.

PuppyUp! Anchorage followup.

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Here's a link to fun photographs captured by our very own Carolyn Franks at PuppyUp! Anchorage last weekend.

Photos are available for purchase.  Just give us a call and we'll help you out.

Not only that, but your purchases will help PuppyUp! Anchorage, too!  20% of all PuppyUp! Anchorage sales will be donated to their continuing mission to help find cures to cancer in animal companions and people.

http://davidjensen.zenfolio.com/p69730482

Alaska Professional Communicators

Looking forward to presenting several topics to Alaska Professional Communicators during their first fall luncheon Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Kinleys.

Taylor will join me during the meeting.  We'll discuss It's Important to Paws, my new upcoming book called When Age Has No Leash - Lessons learned from senior dogs, and we'll talk about the studio.

Click here to see an update in Alaska Dispatch News.

Layla and Flash

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Watch your head!

Here's a little splash of gold from the past couple of days.

Below, Layla posed in the evening at the studio.  The glow in the background was provided by street lights.  The glow on Layla's face was created by jerky treats.

To the right, Flash posed under the studio's huge crab apple tree.  Customers and staff have to do a major duck just to get by it before walking through the front door.  Sort of looks like Flash is ducking her head, too.

Drop by for a visit whenever you have time to visit Flash and Layla.  Sometimes, we have the entire group of five dogs at the studio - if you need a major dog fix!

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Layla, my little FireFly.

When Age Has No Leash - Lessons learned from senior dogs.

When Age Has No Leash - Lessons learned from senior dogs.

Now available for prepurchase and funding assistance through awesome pledge levels.  This is a soft launch for facebook friends - I couldn't resist putting this out there to enjoy (especially the video!)  Hope you enjoy.

Please pledge your support.  This is one of the ways we are able to be active in this community we love - through your support.

The Kickstarter funding campaign has just over four weeks to raise $16,000 - one pledge at a time.

PLEASE SHARE!  We need your help to make this possible.  It's a really great book and I've put my heart into making sure it will be a treasure for you, your family and friends.

Click HERE to make your pledge to the When Age Has No Leash - Lessons learned from senior dogs Kickstarter campaign.   This campaign is only active until October 1, 2014.  Please pledge now.

Click this photo to view our video and Kickstarter campaign.

Griffin and Tavish.

Brothers Tavish and Griffin put up with - and joined in on - lots of joking around while we photographed them at the studio and near Flat Top today.  Great way to start the day.  And the weather - incredible.

Sparky's Family

Prized selections from another special photography session today.

There are many stories to tell about my work with Sparky's family over the years.  The lead photo in this slide show - with everyone - shows the overflowing personality they share.

Afternoons like today are why I love being a photographer - capturing forever moments for families. Thanks to Carolyn for her excellent assistance today.

Just awesome.

Jinx, Emma, Ruth, Spencer and Rocky

The best way to spend Fridays at the studio - working with this family of dogs.

I've know this family for many years through our photography adventures that have included many dogs, passed and present.

Taylor did such a great job with posing and wrangling today.  We couldn't have created these and the other fun images without her great help.

Too fun!

Kaelob. Class of 2015

Another fantastic high school senior crossed paths with the us at the studio and the sunshine popped out just in time.

Congratulations, Kaelob.  Really had fun working with you and your mom.  I'll be rooting for you and the Lynx (even though my alma mater is as a Cougar.)

Watch out for those hotdogs.

Short diversion....

Layla's Smart Bump
I've revealed this before - but Layla has a big 'Smart Bump.'  Layla is a bit indignant that I'm sharing this new information, however:
The secret behind her Smart Bump popped out for a moment this evening to reveal who is behind her master controls.
Thank you, my photo-bombing Flash girl.
:)  dj

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