PERFECT

Are you one of those kids who disliked school photo days? Mom made you go. Or maybe, you love taking selfies! Pets either hide or pose, too. Some (usually cats) avoid cameras while others (often dogs or horses) pose to please. If you want to enter your darling animal in a photo contest, consider these practical tips.

HOW TO !

No matter how adorable your pet, if theme isn’t considered, your photo is not likely to be selected. Would you write, edit, then submit a school paper on the wrong topic? In contests, as in life, context matters!

1. Rule of Thirds: Think of a Tic Tac

Toe Board. Looking through your camera, place face or other object of focus where lines intersect for emphasis. Some cameras have a grid you can use. The most interesting photos are not completely centered.

2. Photoshopping: Unless you are professional, judges can tell! So, go easy, unless masterfully clever! Avoid adding objects that take away from your pet.

Fun ways to demonstrate themes can involve settings, decorations, and costumes, although be sure your pet doesn’t mind getting dressed up… most animals I have 3. Cropping: is okay and may enhance your picture. met dislike outfits, so may not be happy for photos! Again, remember how you felt dressing for school pictures! On the other hand, if your pet sits still and likes your embellishment, your photo will tell. 4. Don’t Over Saturate! Adding too much color makes your photo look unnatural. Normally, this won’t work to WOW those with experience in photoshop, camera EXPRESSION raw, or illustration.

Animals have adorable expressions… be patient, wait, wait, wait, snap! 5. Light source (sun) should be behind you unless you are creating

Focus on your pet. A picture can have an interesting a side shadow. background, but avoid too much busyness that competes for attention making it hard to look at your photo for long. A BONUS TIP good shot draws one in and invites mind or heart to linger. Back to those school photos… Next time you have to get a picture taken,

Photographers take many photos to get a few really good look at the photographer, think of shots. a friend, grandparent or fun-loving cousin who makes you laugh. Let your QUALITY heart smile and it will show through your eyes, just like when your pet

HOLD the camera STILL to avoid messy blurs. How? Anchor looks at you. Mom will be happy with yourself. You can lean on a wall, take a deep breath, breathe your photos and you’ll have made it out, then click! through another picture day… until next year.

Resting your elbows on a table is not great meal etiquette, but helps steady yourself to take a photo. Have FUN and Happy Photo Taking !

C.A. Ritz ~ Author and Illustrator | cynthialeopoldritsko.com

BY JAMIE LEE

Our pets don’t read the paper or watch the news. They don’t know there is a pandemic, but they do know when we are upset. Along with financial and health concerns, many people fear what the future will hold. Our pets feel our stress, which can lower their natural coping abilities and result in problems. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

> Routine Like most people, pets thrive on a routine. They feel safe when they know what to expect. If your routine has changed (and whose hasn’t) make a new one. Having a routine means your pet knows when to expect normal daily activities, such as dinner, exercise, walks, and bedtime. It doesn’t have to be so strict that you feed the same food, or walk the same path every day. So, explore a new way to the park. When pets have the security of knowing when to expect an activity, adding a little variety makes it more fun.

>Exercise Just like us, our pets need exercise. Walks, swimming, games, and food puzzles are great ways to provide physical activity and mental stimulation. As responsible pet parents, it’s our job to help them exercise safely. If you are walking your pet, remember to:

Walk in the coolest part of the day – asphalt and sidewalks can cause severe burns to your pet’s paws. Also, too much strenuous exercise in the heat can lead to dehydration and heatstroke. Clean your pet’s paws, tail, and nose after each walk – these body parts are often licked by your pet and may pick up something during your walk. Wash them so your pet won’t ingest something harmful.

Kitties may not make great walking partners, but they still need exercise. You can play together by using laser pointers or toys tied to a long string. There are even apps designed to engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts and encourage them to exercise. > Animal Reiki Meditation Animal Reiki is a tool to help you and your pet through these stressful times. In a nutshell, Animal Reiki is meditating with animals. Research has found many benefits for you and your pet when you develop a consistent meditation practice. They are:

• Reduced Heart Rate and Blood Pressure • Lower Stress Hormones • Enhanced Mental Focus

If you are new to meditation and need help getting started, download a meditation app. It’s important to know however, that your meditation approach is different than your pets. There are three essential techniques to remember when you are meditating with animals.

Never constrain or force your pet to practice. That means no cages or leashes. Your pet decides how long they participate in the meditation. Don’t expect their behavior to match yours. They may get up, move around the room, get a drink, or even fall asleep. These are all perfectly normal meditation behaviors.

>Emergency Plan Create an emergency kit. Include anything your pet will need; food, medicine, toys/leashes, and develop a list of people or businesses to care for your pet in case you can’t. Planning helps eliminates stress and worry and protects your pet.

Jamie Lee is an Animal Reiki instructor/practitioner, author, and speaker. She is a member of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association Ethics Committee, and a board member for Windy’s Ranch and Rescue Animal Sanctuary. For more information visit www.animal-bonds.com or FB page Jamie Lee – Animal Bonds.