Meet Duckphone the rescue cat. He went viral earlier this year because of, you guessed it, his cheeks!
Duckphone even got a write up in The Dodo! Sweet Shelter Cat Seeks A New Home For Him And His Giant Cheeks
It was no surprise that he was adopted within a few days of being put up for adoption by the Cleveland Animal Protective League. Who could resist that handsome face and those stunning cheeks?
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are special occasions dedicated to showing appreciation for the love and care our parents provide year-round. While traditional gifts like flowers, cards, or dinners are always appreciated, why not consider something truly unique and memorable this year? A pet photography session is the perfect gift for your mom or dad, allowing them to cherish moments with their beloved furry companions forever.
For many parents, their pets are not just animals but beloved companions who bring comfort and happiness into their lives. A pet photography session offers the opportunity to capture the unique bond between a parent and their furry friend in beautiful, timeless photographs.
Additionally, a pet photography session offers a break from the routine of daily life, allowing your parent to spend quality time with their pet in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. It's a chance to celebrate their relationship and create new memories together.
Are you ready to buy a photo session for the special mom or dad in your life? Have questions? Please fill out our contact form here
Visit our Gift Certificate page here
What: Studio Open House and Pet Food Drive for Neighborhood Pets Outreach & Resource Center in Cleveland.
When: Friday, December 15th 11am - 2pm
Where: Greg Murray Photography Studios - 10225 Berea Rd, Unit B, Cleveland 44102
Stop by and say hello on Friday, December 15th between 11am and 2pm. I’ll have books and session gift certificates for sale. I’m happy to sign copies of any books purchased as well.
If you bring something from this Neighborhood Pets Outreach & Resource Center wishlist, you’ll get $5 off of a book or $25 off of a session gift certificate.
We hope to see you on Friday, December 15th!
Imagine the delight on your loved ones' faces as they unwrap the magic of memories with our Pet Photography Gift Certificates or embark on a visual journey through the enchanting pages of our four books. Join me in spreading love, laughter, and the undeniable charm of four-legged companions – the perfect way to make this holiday season unforgettable!
Photo Session Gift Certificate
Purchase a gift certificate for a pet photography session, and let your loved ones choose the perfect time to capture their pet(s).tever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Gift certificate information can be found here
Peanut Butter Puppies the book
An irresistible photo collection of 70 rescued puppies in expressions of peanut butter bliss.
Rescue-dog advocate and professional photographer Greg Murray has followed up on the fan favorite Peanut Butter Dogs with an even more irresistible theme: Peanut Butter Puppies. These adorable portraits of rescued dogs, captured in studio with colorful backgrounds and in delightfully amusing detail, will tug at your heartstrings. Prepare to swoon over Wallaby, the seven-month-old heeler; Archie, the eight-month-old Chihuahua; Fiona Wigglesworth, the eight-month-old Boston terrier; Zoey, the nine-month-old mastiff mix, and so many more! Each one-of-a-kind portrait is sure to make your day. Names, ages, and breed/mix accompany each portrait.
Peanut Butter Dogs the book
This winsome collection of photographs covers more than 140 lovable pups, most of them rescues, in expressions of peanut butter bliss. Names, ages, and brief bios of each dog accompany their portraits.
Pit Bull Heroes the book
Pit Bull Heroes spotlights forty-nine underdogs who beat the odds and became heroes in their families, neighborhoods, and communities. Meet Chad, found on a street corner, who now serves as the first pit bull in the pet therapy program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Apollo, who finished first in his police training and now sniffs out narcotics at his full-time job in Washington State; and Charlie, who rallied an entire community to fight breed-specific legislation laws in Lakewood, Ohio. All pit bulls; all heroes in their own way.
Animal advocate and photographer Greg Murray captures these pit bull heroes in their day-to-day lives and shares their inspiring stories.
Helpful resources show how you, too, can become an advocate for pit bulls and animal safety in your community.
Gotcha Day! the book
Adorable, candid photographs and the inspiring stories of over 60 rescue dogs and the humans who gave them their forever homes.
Meet Killian who is obsessed with clothes and just has to find the right outfit each morning; Jet who snores louder than a human; and Roger, who came to his family from a puppy mill and learned that people can be kind and loving.
Gotcha Day! spotlights the adoption tales of over 60 adorable rescue dogs and their new forever families. The unique personality of each pup shines through the candid photos by animal advocate and photographer Greg Murray, and their humans let us in on their inspiring stories, funny quirks, and all the many things that make them special.
Below is an excerpt from my 2018 book, Pit Bull Heroes: 49 Underdogs With Resilience & Heart
Pages 192 - 195
The amount of work required to end discrimination against dogs where you live will vary. It isn’t easy and takes a lot of time, patience, and hard work. You get what you put in when it comes to improving laws and making change on a governmental level. Here are some tips based on my experience helping to end breed-discriminatory laws in my hometown of Lakewood, Ohio, in 2018. Some of these tips may not apply to you depending on the amount of resistance you are getting from city leaders. Some tips may prove to be invaluable.
WRITE TO OR MEET WITH YOUR LEADERS
Find out what their stance is on the current legisla-tion affecting dogs that look a certain way. If they support breed discrimination, find out why and use that information to your advantage. Maybe they rely on false information, or they had a bad experience with a dog in the past. It’s an oppor-tunity to provide them with factual resources, debunk myths, and find out about the experi-ence that shapes their opinion. In some cases, I’ve found that leaders were unaware that their city had any form of breed discrimination and were quick to remove it from the law.
RALLY A LARGE NUMBER OF RESIDENTS BEHIND THE CAUSE
This is the most important in my opinion. The more residents involved, the better. It says a lot when 99 percent of the residents packing city council meetings are there to end breed discrimination and 1 percent is there to support keeping it. Often, zero pro-discrimination residents attended our meetings in Lakewood. In the words of Lakewood Councilman Dan O’Malley after the vote to end discrimination in Lakewood on April 2, 2018, “You can pretend to care, but you can’t pretend to show up.”
ATTEND COUNCIL MEETINGS ON A MONTHLY BASIS
Be seen and be heard. The more you go, the more you get noticed. If you go consistently and don’t give up, city leaders will know that this isn’t a short-term push to end the discriminatory legislation. The city will be forced to address the issue and make their stance public. Our goal in Lakewood was to make this a part of every city council meeting. By doing this, we forced it on the official agenda and eventually got them to have a vote on the issue.
FOCUS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY AND STRENGTHENING LAWS
Safety is the number one priority. Your push to end discrimination isn’t just about dogs with blocky heads. It’s about breed discrimination not working to make cities safer. It’s about this form of legislation creating a false sense of safety, and not focusing on real objec-tive laws that are proven to equate to safety. While your goal is for all dogs to be recognized equally, the leaders that you’re speaking to have safety on their mind. You can show them all the photos you want of children with pit bull–type dogs, but it won’t make a difference.
Breed-discriminatory legislation is highly subjective and relies on someone’s opinion when identifying a dog. We all see things differently. Subjective laws have no business being part of any government. Effective, objective, and robust breed-neutral laws do. Objective laws are easily enforceable and don’t impact certain types of dogs based on looks. They affect all dogs and hold all owners accountable when enforced. When the ban ended in Lakewood, the city implemented much more effective and stronger laws. Our city no longer has breed discrimination and we’re safer.
REQUEST PUBLIC RECORDS
This is one of my favorites, and we found it to be invaluable in our fight to end breed discrimination in Lakewood, Ohio. There is a lot of helpful information that can be found via public records requests. Start broad by asking for all emails between city officials over the past few years with the word “pit bull” or “dog ban” in them. Do you know about a dog that was kicked out of the city for being or looking like a pit bull? Find all the correspondences related to the case. Often you will find damaging information that will help your case to end the discriminatory legislation.
Request dog bite reports and statistics. The records often show that all types of dogs are causing inju-ries to residents. If your city doesn’t keep track, then how do they know the discriminatory legislation is working? In most cities, correspondence between city employees and police or animal control records is public to residents.
BRING IN THE EXPERTS
Share studies and prominent organization’s stances on breed discrimination. Did you know that there are no reputable organizations that support breed discrim-ination? In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Bar Association, American Kennel Club, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), American Veterinary Medical Association, Humane Society of the United States, and many more do not support breed-discriminatory laws.
Invite professionals and experts that work with all different types of dogs to attend city meetings. Reach out to other cities that repealed breed-discrimination laws and invite their leaders to speak about their posi-tive experience with repealing the laws.
For cities with breed discrimination, it is highly likely that their animal control officers were trained by the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA). Did you know that the NACA is against breed discrimination and even addresses the difficulties of dog identification in their training? Use this info to your advantage.
Bring breed identification studies to meetings or send them to your city leaders. Pit bull–type dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They’re difficult to identify and there are many studies that show this. Dogs are often misidentified by experts, so imagine how often they’re being misidentified by police, resi-dents, and animal control officers.
UTILIZE SOCIAL MEDIA
Spread the word about your fight to end breed discrim-ination where you live by creating a group page. Create Facebook events for each council meeting you are going to to maximize the attendance. The more people that show up, the better. Large crowds in support of repealing the legislation make a statement and grab the attention of the leaders and local media. Share stories online. In Lakewood, we made slideshow videos to share specific instances of the discriminatory laws not working. For instance, Lakewood approved a dog based on looks that DNA tested at 87 percent American Staffordshire terrier (pit bull). They approved the very dog they deemed dangerous to live in the city. Time and time again, we found cases of misidentification by our animal control department.
We also shared the story of a woman that was visiting Lakewood with her pit bull–type dog. She was on a dog-friendly patio, patronizing a restaurant with her well-behaved dog. Animal control arrived after being alerted by a meter reader and kicked the well-behaved dog out of the city based on its looks. This is not the message you want to send to visitors spending money in your city. Get these stories out. They put pressure on the city to make a change.
VOTE
Our successful push to end breed discrimination in Lakewood started one year prior to city council elec-tions. Three out of seven of our city council members were up for re-election that year. Once we knew who supported the pit bull ban repeal (and who didn’t), we went to work campaigning for the anti-discrimination candidates. Two of the three incumbents who supported the pit bull ban were voted out, and we helped vote in two anti-discrimination candidates. This was the first time in more than twenty-five years that an incumbent at-large council member running for re-election was voted out in Lakewood. And we got two out! We needed five of seven council members to vote in favor of repealing the discriminatory legis-lation, and the election brought us that majority. The vote to repeal ended up being 7-0 because the others on council saw how those who supported the ban were not reelected.
CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY
Give yourself the right title when you communicate with your city, other residents, and the media. “Pit Bull Advocate” sounds great, but “Safety, Education, and Anti-Discrimination Advocate” sounds more profes-sional. Plus, you’re utilizing the very important word “safety” in your title.
When speaking at meetings or emailing your leaders, it’s very easy to get emotional. Many of us are guilty of this, including me. Speak with facts, science, and stories. Avoid getting angry; be professional.
ALERT THE MEDIA
Let as many people as possible know about your cause. Local media is usually very happy to share stories like this. News stations know that breed discrimination can be a divisive topic, so they are happy to share these stories on the news and social media in order to get viewers to tune in or visit their websites.
What mayor or council member wants to be seen by thousands as someone who supports discrimina-tion? What mayor wants to see their city on the news in a negative light? Not many. Getting the media involved is a great way to get breed discrimination on the agenda and possibly force a vote.
BE BETTER
Many pro–breed discrimination advocates only have one method of operation: instilling fear in others while sitting behind a computer.
Get out, show up consistently, be professional, focus on safety, educate others, attack the effectiveness of the laws, vote, and most importantly, never give up.
When it comes to rescue animal and pit bull advo-cacy, we’re not going to agree 100 percent of the time. And that’s OK. We learn and grow from disagreement and having different opinions. However, we must not let our disagreements divide us. I see it all too often in the pit bull and rescue animal advocate world. This division keeps us from achieving our mutual goals of ending discrimination, ending animal cruelty, ending dog fighting, and getting every shelter animal into a good home.
Respect one another. Acknowledge that we’re not all going to agree on every part of rescue and advo-cacy. Acknowledge that we all come from different backgrounds and situations that shape who we are. We can’t move forward if we fight. But we can move forward if we have constructive and respectful conver-sations when we disagree. We can’t move forward by disrespecting the very advocates that have the same goal as us: ending discrimination.
Mar and 3 month old foal taken in stable with flash
Whether you're looking for exquisite portraits, or candid moments in the stable, Greg has the skills, patience and experience to meet your photography needs. Hiring an equine photographer offers numerous benefits compared to taking your own photos or relying on amateurs. Greg has the necessary equipment, technical skills, and artistic vision to produce exceptional results. He can work with you to understand your vision and bring it to life through his expertise. Greg is well-versed in working with horses, ensuring an stress-free and enjoyable experience for both you and your horse(s).
To make the most of your equine photo session, proper preparation is essential. Ensure your horse is groomed and looking its best, with clean tack and well-maintained equipment. Discuss any specific shots or poses you have in mind with Greg in advance. Consider the location, time of day, and weather conditions for the shoot. Greg will guide you on how to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, allowing your horse to shine in front of the camera.
Equine photography goes beyond capturing beautiful images; it preserves memories and tells stories that can be cherished for a lifetime. Photographs of your beloved horse can serve as timeless keepsakes and be proudly displayed in your home, stable, or office. They can also be shared with friends, family, and fellow horse enthusiasts, evoking admiration and appreciation for these majestic animals.
Domestic cats are one of the most popular pets in the world. They are known for their affectionate nature and playful demeanor, which makes them a favorite among pet owners. However, there are many interesting facts about cats that are not commonly known!
1. Cats have been domesticated for over 10,000 years.
Cats are believed to have been domesticated in the Middle East around 10,000 years ago. They were initially kept as a means of controlling rodents and other pests around human settlements.
2. A group of cats is called a clowder.
Unlike dogs, cats are solitary animals and are not known for forming packs. However, a group of cats is called a clowder.
3. Cats have a unique way of drinking water.
Cats do not lap up water like other animals. Instead, they use their tongue to scoop water into their mouths.
4. A cat's purr has healing properties.
A cat's purr has been shown to have therapeutic effects on humans. It has been known to lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and even help with pain management.
5. Cats can jump up to six times their body length.
Cats are incredibly agile animals and are known for their jumping abilities. They can jump up to six times their body length in a single leap.
6. Cats can see in almost complete darkness.
Cats have excellent night vision and can see in almost complete darkness. Their eyes are designed to reflect light, which gives them an advantage when hunting at night.
7. A cat's sense of smell is 14 times stronger than a human's.
Cats have an incredible sense of smell, which is 14 times stronger than a human's. This is one of the reasons why they are such good hunters.
8. Cats have a unique set of vocalizations.
Cats are known for their meows, but they also have a unique set of vocalizations that they use to communicate with each other. These include chirps, trills, and purrs.
9. Cats are natural climbers.
Cats are natural climbers and are incredibly agile when it comes to scaling trees and other objects. They use their sharp claws and powerful legs to climb almost anything.
10. Cats spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping.
Cats are known for their love of sleeping and can spend up to 16 hours a day dozing. This is because they are naturally nocturnal animals and are most active at night.
Domestic cats are fascinating creatures with many interesting quirks and traits. Whether you are a cat lover or not, it's hard not to appreciate their unique personalities and adorable antics. We hope you enjoyed these 10 fun facts about domestic cats!
Please stay away from pet stores!
Let’s talk about Petland since they are one of the worst companies out there. Petland is a franchise chain of pet stores that primarily sell puppies, kittens, and small animals like birds, rabbits, and guinea pigs. On the surface, they appear to be a friendly and inviting place to buy a pet from, with brightly lit stores and a wide variety of animals to choose from. However, a closer look at Petland's practices reveals that they are not a responsible place to buy a pet from.
A sick dog from a Petland store in Georgia: HSUS
First and foremost, Petland has a long history of sourcing puppies from puppy mills. Puppy mills are large-scale breeding operations that prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals. Dogs in puppy mills are often kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions, with little to no human interaction or veterinary care. As a result, puppies from these facilities are often sick, poorly socialized, and prone to genetic defects and health problems.
Petland has been accused of sourcing puppies from puppy mills on multiple occasions. In 2008, the Humane Society of the United States conducted an investigation into Petland's practices and found evidence that many of their puppies came from large-scale breeding operations with numerous animal welfare violations. In response, Petland claimed that they only worked with "USDA-licensed breeders," but this is not a guarantee of responsible breeding practices or animal welfare. The USDA has been criticized for its lax oversight of commercial dog breeding facilities, and many puppy mills have managed to retain their licenses despite numerous violations.
In addition to sourcing puppies from puppy mills, Petland often sells puppies that are too young to be separated from their mothers. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, puppies should not be separated from their mothers until they are at least 8 weeks old. This is because puppies rely on their mothers for socialization and early learning, and separating them too soon can lead to behavioral problems and health issues. However, Petland has been known to sell puppies as young as 6 weeks old, which is a clear violation of animal welfare standards.
Another issue with Petland is their lack of transparency about their animal sourcing practices. The company claims that they work with "local breeders," but they do not provide any information about these breeders or their breeding practices. This lack of transparency makes it impossible for customers to know where their pets are coming from or whether they were raised in humane conditions.
In addition to their questionable animal sourcing practices, Petland has been criticized for their high prices and aggressive sales tactics. According to some former employees and customers, Petland employees are trained to use high-pressure sales tactics to convince customers to buy over priced pets and expensive pet products. In some cases, they may even misrepresent the health or temperament of the animals they are selling in order to make a sale. This kind of behavior is not only unethical, but it can also lead to customers purchasing pets that they are not equipped to care for.
Petland has also faced legal action for its treatment of animals. In 2014, a Petland store in Chicago was sued by the city for multiple violations of animal welfare laws, including keeping animals in unsanitary conditions and failing to provide adequate veterinary care. In 2016, a Petland store in Las Vegas was fined for failing to provide proper care for a sick puppy, leading to its death.
Petland is not a responsible place to buy a pet from. Their history of sourcing animals from puppy mills, selling animals too young to be separated from their mothers, and lack of transparency about their animal sourcing practices are all red flags for potential customers. In addition, their high prices and aggressive sales tactics are not in the best interest of the animals or the customers. If you are looking to add a pet to your family, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable breeder or rescue organization that prioritizes animal welfare over profit. In my opinion, your local shelter is the best place to get a new pet for your home. You save a life and open up a spot for another pet at the shelter or rescue organization.
Please note that some pet stores only offer rescue animals. For example, in 2024, all pet stores in the state of New York will only be able to work instead with shelters to offer rescued or abandoned animals up for adoption. It will also ban breeders from selling more than nine animals a year. They will no longer be able to sell dogs, cats or rabbits from breeders. It’s important to do your research when you are looking to bring a new pet into your home. Make sure you know where the pet came from!
Depending on who you ask, the holiday season can be a great time to welcome a new furry pet into your family or one of the worst times. The decision should not be taken lightly. No matter when you bring a pet into your home, careful thought must go into the process of deciding. Here are some critical considerations before adopting a dog or any other furry friend for that matter.
If you are not ready to bring a new pet into your home, that’s ok! You need to do what is best for you. If you aren’t ready, but decide to still bring a pet into your home, you are doing a disservice to you and the pet. So please put a lot of thought into the decision.
Do you work long hours? Or maybe you work from home? Take a lot of vacations? All of these considerations should be thought of when it comes to the time you’ll be able to commit to your pet. You may need to line up additional pet care throughout the day, or after work, if your time at home is more sparse (which will likely cost additional money).
Where you live is also a factor. If you’re renting, be sure to ask your rental company if there are breed or size restrictions. Having a smaller space may deter you from getting a larger or more active dog. Not having a fenced-in yard may be another consideration for your pet’s safety and ease of pet ownership - which could be another cost to consider.
In addition to your daily routine, when you welcome a new pet into your family, it’s a lifelong commitment that can be more than 10 years, depending on the breed. Not only do you need to assess your current lifestyle, but you also need to factor in the future as well. This might also be a time in your life when you’re unable to commit to a pet, and that’s okay!
Here are the average lifespans of some popular pets:
After you’ve spent time assessing your lifestyle and availability to commit to your dog, it’s time to research which breed fits in line with that. If you have more time and maintain a more active lifestyle, finding a dog that can match that might be the way to go. More active dogs also require multiple walks a day or even play sessions in a park or your backyard. The bottom line is all dogs require a lot of attention throughout the day. Researching and meeting various dogs to see their temperament is always recommended before you commit and bring them home!
Pet expenses can add up quickly. From all the initial essentials you’ll need for them (food, treats, crate, leash/collar) to the initial vet visit, you may be surprised at the initial cost - in addition to any adoption fees. If you’re adopting a puppy, you will also want to factor in spay and neutering surgery fees. In addition to those upfront costs, you’ll want to plan for potential boarding costs, doggy daycare, unexpected emergency vet bills, and maybe a few incidentals around your home too. You may even want to consider looking into pet insurance to help offset costs or plan for emergencies down the line. Budgeting to welcome a dog into your home, may take a little bit of time, but worth the planning!
There are many reasons why adopting from a local shelter is a great route to take, from helping your community to opening up a new space in that shelter for the next animal. Looking for a shelter or foster-based rescue organization near you? PetFinder has a great search feature here.
Just remember, after all the planning you’ll ultimately be adding a new member to your family and a new best friend. It’s also important to remember, that as much as you plan, all dogs and breeds have their own different backgrounds and may come with a few quirks. At the end of the day, you won’t ever be able to put a price on the love you’ll receive from your four-legged friend.
The holidays are upon us and the only thing we love more than animals here at Greg Murray Photography is supporting local businesses! To help make sure your pet or pet-loving family and friends are covered this holiday season, we’ve curated a simple Cleveland holiday gift guide.
This Lakewood home decor bouquet offers unique, one-of-a-kind gifts and treasures, but the best part is Mishi Lifestyle has an entire pet section for your dog and cat friends. From Foggy Dog collars, to funny pet dishes, and toys. Mishi even stocks Greg’s books and 2023 Wall Calendars.
A new dog-friendly bakery and boutique located in the Hingetown neighborhood, this is a one-stop shop for homemade treats, cat and dog gear, and anything you might need when it comes to pet supplies.
This fashionable boutique in Lakewood caters to all those dog and cat moms along with your four-legged friend with accessories, toys, treats, and more. The holidays are a little extra special since Jessica and Milo stock up on holiday-themed goodies like Treat Advent Calendars and festive clothing for women.
FunktiniLand is a eclectic Hingetown shop filled with artwork and home goods created by over 30 Ohio & Northeast Ohio artists, including Funktini Art. Besides the great gifts you can buy for humans, they carry Greg’s books and 2023 wall calendars. FunktiniLand offers goods in all different prices ranging from $5 to $1000 and mediums ranging from Digital Print to Functional Tea Towels
Apparel with a purpose! When you shop Soul Mutts, you are not only supporting animals in need and those who save and care for them, you are also supporting a small business. In honor of these naturally loyal beings and their genuine devotion, Soul Mutts donates a portion of every single purchase to a local rescue or shelter each month!
Pet's General Store in Lakewood has been in business for over 30 years and offers a fresh selection of high-quality pet food for dogs, cats, fish, small animals, birds, and more! They often have some small animals, including cats, available for adoption! And don’t forget to meet the Pet’s General mascot, Gypsy the bird!
Our 8th annual Rescue Dogs 2023 calendar is also a perfect gift to help ring in the new year. Rescue Dogs features fourteen dogs that Greg photographed over the last 2 years. New this year, we are also offering the Rescue Cats 2023 calendar, featuring twelve cats - a portion of the proceeds for these calendars will benefit Neighborhood Pets & Outreach Center.
Shop 2023 Rescue Dog & Cat Calendars
Give the gift of photos! Each holiday season, Greg offers a limited number of session gift certificates. For more details and to order yours, click here.
Want to share a unique gift this holiday season? Greg Murray books share joy, stories of resilience, and plenty of adorable dogs! We encourage you to purchase our books at local and independent bookstores, but our books are also available at Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, BAM, or Indie Bound.
Shop Peanut Butter Puppies
Shop Pit Bull Heroes: 49 Underdogs With Resilience & Heart
Shop Peanut Butter Dogs
Are you visiting Greg Murray for an upcoming pet photography session? Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare for your visit and what you and your pet can expect at the studio.
Greg’s photography studio, nestled on the near west side of Cleveland, was designed to be a pet-friendly space. Don’t worry, your pet can’t do any harm! With ruggables, ample toys, water, and treats – the furry talent will have plenty of space to sniff and explore before the session begins and between backdrop changes and shots.
While there are plenty of snacks, peanut butter, and toys at the photography studio, it’s always a great idea to bring your pet’s favorite high-value treat and favorite toy just in case they need a little extra motivation behind the camera. And don’t worry, we even have the supplies to clean up any happy accidents that might happen! Even the best pets still have accidents in the studio and that’s perfectly ok.
Please note that there is a dog trainer in our complex and there may be dogs being trained in the parking lot. All dogs, no matter how well trained, must be leashed from the moment they leave your car until they enter the studio and the door is closed. Safety is very important to us.
If you’re planning to get behind the camera with your pet, make sure to wear neutrals that complement them. For example, if you have a black pet, avoid wearing black so your pet can be the star of the photo. Avoid wearing patterns, watches, excess jewelry, or hair ties on your wrist. Your favorite pet outfits and accessories are always welcome, too!
Check out this Pinterest Color Scheme collection if you need some inspiration!
Just remember, when in doubt, bring options and Greg can help with the final details.
Your pet photography session is an investment, so make sure your pet is pampered and camera ready!
Do you have an active dog? Before the session plan for some exercise, as that might benefit a calmer shoot.
Plan for lighter meals as your pet is sure to get many treats throughout the session.
It does help if your dog understands some basic commands. Consider taking time in the weeks before your session to practice sit, stay, down, and any other commands your dog is familiar with. However, if your dog doesn’t know any of these commands or is very excited during your session and not in listening mode, don’t worry! Greg is one of the most patient people you’ll ever meet. Just because you see a great photo on his Instagram feed or website, doesn’t mean it was an easy photo to get.
As stated above, Greg is very patient and understanding of all types of dogs and other animals. All pets are individuals and he gets it. Some animals, especially dogs and cats, might be a bit nervous or really excited. They may not listen like they do at home. This is all ok. Your patience is required too.
Greg’s goal is not only to capture your pet but also to provide a great experience from the first communication and the studio session to receiving your pictures. Greg brings patience and understanding with each session, each pet, and each experience in order to make sure owner and pet are comfortable and having fun while Greg captures the perfect shot.
More questions? Check out our FAQs here.
At Greg Murray Photography, every day is Adopt a Shelter Pet Day - but October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! Creating awareness around adopting from local shelters has never been more prevalent as animal shelters throughout the United States are overwhelmed with the number of rescues coming in daily, including the shelters in our own backyard of Cleveland.
Leo, adopted by Greg and his wife Kristen from the Cleveland APL in 2012
To help generate awareness around adopting from local shelters, here are important considerations and the benefits of rescuing a furry best friend.
Complete a lifestyle check: It’s important that you have enough time for your dog and find one that fits your lifestyle. Are you active? Do you live in a smaller home or apartment? Are you away from home a lot? It’s crucial to consider the pet's energy level (& your energy level), size once fully grown, noise level, and how the pet gets along with other pets and children.
Preparing For Your Pet: If you’ve found your new furry friend, it’s time to set up your home and prepare for their arrival. From a collar and lease to water bowls, food, beds, and a crate - there is plenty to plan for.
Cost: Bringing a pet into your home can be an expensive proposition. You want to be prepared for all sorts of costs, especially since animals really do become part of the family. Costs to Consider When Adopting a Pet from US News & World Report.
Find a Local Veterinarian: Scheduling and taking your new pet to the veterinarian is an important step, to establishing care along with getting any shots or uncovering any other potential health issues/concerns. Ask friends, family, or coworkers in the area for their veterinarian recommendations if you’re unsure where to start!
Get Ready to Take it Slow: It’s really important to take things slow with your shelter pet, from introducing them to friends/family and other household pets. In addition to taking it slow with introductions, it’s important to ease into new situations, as your pet most likely will change as they get more comfortable around you and in their home. All of these situations should be planned for and researched to ensure they’re done correctly!
Plan for Training: Shelter pets can come with a handful of qualities, from resource guarding to not knowing basic commands. Planning and signing up for training will not only help your pet but will also help you manage them in certain situations.
You’re Saving Multiple Pets Lives. In addition to giving your furry friend a second chance, you’re also allowing another pet in need the space at that shelter and a second chance at life!
A New Activity Partner. Your new four-legged friend is a perfect excuse to get our for a walk, hike, or run.
Free Therapy. Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (aka stress) and lower your blood pressure - while increasing your happiness! Plus, you’ll always have someone who listens to you without judgment.
Saying No to Cruel Breeders. Animals, especially puppies purchased at pet stores, are often the result of cruel breeding facilities. When you adopt, you’re helping your community instead of filling a breeder's pocket.
Unconditional Love and a New BFF. Shelter animals are ready to give love and are often so thankful for a comfy bed and consistent home with treats! In addition to unconditional love, you’ll also have a lifelong best friend and family member.
Looking for a shelter or foster based rescue organization near you? PetFinder has a great search feature here
No matter how much you prepare for a new furry friend, you won't be able to predict all the expenses or time you will spend on your adopted dog or other pet. Most people find it's more than worth it for all the wonderful benefits of having a dog in your life.
You can never really know what it will be like, but you can prepare for adoption by being aware of the costs and various time commitments so they won't be a a negative surprise.
By Isabel Merriman
Crowler is a one-year-old tripod pit bull mix. He was adopted by Pauline Kossakowksi as a foster fail from Cleveland APL. Crowler arrived at the shelter with four legs. However, one of his legs got infected and could not be saved through rehabilitation. The infection got to a point where he was rushed to an emergency clinic to amputate his leg. Pauline works for Cleveland APL, and she decided to foster him until he could find his forever home. However, plans changed "he enchanted not only my other dog (Tea Cup); but my family immediately fell in love," said Pauline. Pauline and her family had fostered in the past, this time was different, "I'd fostered other dogs before – but this one was different. She (Tea Cup) made it clear to me that not even she could bear the thought of losing her best friend to another family."
Although Crowler has three legs, he is still like any other puppy his age. You can hardly tell he has three legs, "he's proven that he could compete against track athletes without growing tired." He also likes to show off how smart he is to everyone he meets.
Pauline commented a photo of Crowler and his foster sister Roxy (formerly Maddie) on Facebook. Both Crowler and Roxy were chosen to be in 'Peanut Butter Puppies'! When Pauline arrived at Greg's studio for Crowler and Roxy's photoshoot, "You could immediately see the love in his eyes for two dogs he had just met for the first time," says Pauline.
Crowler has a big soft heart and has been through a lot at a young age. He is the missing piece his family did not know they needed. Make sure to check out Crowler and his foster sister Roxy in 'Peanut Butter Puppies'!
Peanut Butter Puppies is available for pre-order on Amazon now
Signed/Personalized pre-orders are available on our website.
By Isabel Merriman
Bullet is a nine-month-old German Shepherd rescue adopted from Impawsible Mutts Dog Rescue. Bullet has come a long way since Tristin, the President of Impawsible Mutts Dog Rescue, brought him home. When Bullet was adopted, he had behavior issues and weighed 13 pounds when he should have been 25 pounds. Bullet was not Tristin's first rescue, "I have a large pack of 12 dogs. Everyone is a rescue." Tristin was not actively searching for another dog when she came across Bullet. He was a foster dog Tristin could not let go of.
Bullet is currently training to complete the Barnhunt. The "Barnhunt is a dog sport where dogs use their noses to search a ring for a rat in a tube that is hidden in bails of hay," explained Tristin. Bullet has a long nose because he has a two-inch overbite causing eating and drinking to look silly. He is a silly, goofy, clumsy, and vocal baby. Tristin said, "A puppy I previously fostered was photographed for the book as well, and she (the owner) suggested I reach out and gave me his information!" She said working with Greg was a great experience. "He was extremely patient, and you could really tell his direct care for dogs!"
Peanut Butter Puppies is available for pre-order on Amazon now
Signed/Personalized pre-orders are available on our website.
By Isabel Merriman
Bugg is a ten-month-old shepherd/retriever mix. He was delivered by Friendship APL in Elyria to Scott Smith, Kate Riley, and their dogs Bam Bam a shepherd/retriever mix rescue, and Lady, a border collie mix.
During the pandemic, the couple decided they wanted to rescue another dog. "We had submitted an application to Friendship APL and joined the puppy deliver adoption page," says Kate. The couple did not have a specific breed in mind when searching for a new addition to their family. However, when they came across Bugg's litter on Facebook, they were on board since they already had a great experience with the breed. Scott was the one who picked out Bugg from his litter. "Scott was supposedly taking a nap and then yelled downstairs that he got us a black puppy named Tucker (now Bugg), and he was very excited," says Kate. Since the couple adopted through a delivery page, Bugg was delivered to their home.
Bugg is energetic and loving. He loves playing. Bugg rarely stops playing except for the occasional power nap. Bugg is not one to play fetch. Instead, he prefers to chase Lady "while she plays fetch and jumps over her when she's running back with the ball," says Kate. Bugg loves to pounce and snuggle on the couch. Additionally, he has started to enjoy laying and rolling around in the leaves outside. Bugg has helped Bam Bam, their three-year-old shepherd/retriever mix, break out of his shell.
Greg contacted Kate after she posted a picture of Bugg on Facebook. Kate was shocked when Greg reached out to her about the book. "Greg asked me to fill out a survey. When I got home, I immediately called my husband and told him I made a huge mistake." She was worried about how Bugg would behave during the shoot. "When we showed up, I was convinced we were going to waste Greg's time, and Bugg wasn't going to be cooperative." She soon realized that was not the case! It took a little bit for Bugg to warm up to Greg. However, he loved peanut butter. Kate says, "Greg was super nice and calm and didn't rush trying to get Bugg to warm up to the whole situation. He calmed me down by saying Bugg was doing great, and by the end of the shoot, Bugg was sitting between Greg's feet and didn't want to leave!" Although Kate had her concerns before the shoot, Bugg was one of four dogs who made the book's cover!
Peanut Butter Puppies is available for pre-order on Amazon now
Signed/Personalized pre-orders are available on our website.
By Isabel Merriman
Echo is an eight-month-old Boxer mix. He was adopted from Pinealope Animal Rescue in Ravenna, Ohio, by the Navratil family—Megan, Ron, and their two daughters Ella (14) and Leah (11). The Navratil family decided to adopt during the pandemic, which has become popular. The increase in puppy adoptions has made it difficult for families to find the right pup. "I had been searching since early April...Petfinder, breeders, you name it. Application after application, near and far...and no luck," says Megan. The family knew they wanted to get a Boxer mix, and after three months of searching, they came across Echo's litter on the Pinealope Petfinder Facebook page. They fell in love with the white markings on his body.
Echo was the perfect fit for the family. He has a playful personality, and his favorite trick is to give high-fives. Echo loves car rides and will often hang his head out the window and enjoy the wind in his face. He enjoys walks in the Cleveland Metroparks and loves to greet other dogs during his walks.
Echo was asked to be in Peanut Butter Puppies following a Model Call posted by Greg. Megan received an application for the shoot, and Echo was accepted. Before the photoshoot, Echo only had peanut butter once. Since then, it has become one of his favorite treats. During the shoot, "Echo was a bit afraid of the camera and flash, but Greg was so calm and patient...and as a result, captured such adorable images of Echo!" says Megan. She was happy that Greg could capture Echo's expressive ears. "Our favorite is the one (ear) up, one out to the side look, which Greg captured perfectly in a photo!"
Echo has brought much happiness to the Navratil family since he was adopted at the beginning of July 2020. He has also been a lot easier than the family anticipated, and they would not change a thing!
Peanut Butter Puppies is available for pre-order on Amazon now
Signed/Personalized pre-orders are available on our website.
