Long ago and far away I sat in a cubicle editing photos to go on a corporate e-commerce page. Open, color correct, alpha channel, clipping path, flatten, save, upload. My phone rang and it was a number I didn't recognize. Usually I avoided calls like that because sometimes I would pick up and encounter a hopeful pet parent who has the most talented pet ever and how do they have that extraordinarily talented pet featured in said corporation's advertisements? Oh, and do we cover airfare and hotel because they live on the other side of the country?

Not that I don't love talking about talented pets, and I wasn't in charge of who was eligible for travel reimbursement, but there were processes in place and not just anyone could model. Also, pets had to have basic training and not be fearful of the studio lighting. 

I took a chance and said hello. There was a kind voice on the other end and she had been trying to reach me for several weeks. She kept being re-routed, but never to my line. She had sent a booklet of info, but I had never received it. I stuck with her, I got a good feeling about her and her business. I reached out to my manager and asked if we could bring the group in because certain clients were requesting certain breeds that were hard to find. 

Thank goodness for that phone call! 

Arizona Animal Actors came into the office and I was delighted to meet such a kind mother and daughter business team. They had well-trained pets, and were eager to find what we needed for our projects and ads. http://azanimalactors.com 

Now I'm on my own, running my small business, and we get to see each other every now and then when I assist on big photo shoots. I was so fortunate to team up with Arizona Animal Actors for their most recent audition and fundraiser. The proceeds from the photo shoot went to Animal Doctors to the Rescue (http://littlecrittersvet.com/vet-gilbert/animal-doctors-to-the-rescue.php). Animal Docs are a group of veterinarians who donate their time and resources to finding forever, loving homes for pets who are brought in with severe injuries, or illnesses and are in need of a family. One of my goals with starting my own business is to give back. 

We had nearly 30 pets and pet parents come through on the day of the audition! Another great thing that occurred was ABC News 15 reached out to interview Kama about her business, and she and her mom asked me to be part of it! Thank you Kama and Jubie for opening the doors to an amazing partnership. 

Talent search for Arizona Animal Actors, 2017. Model: Popeye
Pet Parent: Jubie R.
Email: Talent search for Arizona Animal Actors, 2017. Model: Popeye
Pet Parent: Jubie R.
Email: Talent search for Arizona Animal Actors, 2017. Model: Popeye
Pet Parent: Jubie R.
Email: Talent search for Arizona Animal Actors, 2017. Model: Luna, Luni - Pomeranian
Pet Parent: Dr. Jill
Email: