Pet portraits can be the ideal gift for someone who loves pets. If the birthday of one of dear friends is coming up and you have run out of ideas for birthday presents, you can order a pet portrait, if you know that person is a pet lover. Many people think very affectionately of their pets, and this is the reason why nothing could be more appropriate than thinking of a gift in the form of a dog portrait, for instance. And not only is it appropriate, but it is also unique, because it’s not everyday that you get a handmade portrait as a gift, let alone the portrait of your beloved pet. Pet portraits are also the perfect gift for people you don’t know very well. When you do not know what type of present would be appropriate, you can opt for a dog portraits or cat portraits, which that person is going to love if he/she is a pet lover.
You can give yourself an awesome gift by ordering a pet portrait. If you think that photos of your pet are already too common, you are right. Pet portraits are special because they are rare. Everyone has tens, maybe hundreds of photos of their pets, but a portrait? Pet portraits can be made in pastel, oil, charcoal, etc. and they are entirely handmade, and not computer generated or printed. Experience artists put considerable effort into capturing the image of your pet in a lovely surrounding, so as to show its temperament, and not just its physical traits.
When we love our dogs very much, or our pets in general, we wish that the day when they pass away would never come. But we all know that’s not possible, so why not try to keep your beloved four-legged companion around forever by having its portrait drawn up? It will be a memorial dog portrait that will tell everyone how much that pet meant to you, and you will be able to comfort yourself knowing that you have shown your appreciation in a unique way.
Artists use photographs as a model for the pet portraits they draw. It is virtually impossible to get a pet to stand still for hours, while the portrait is being painted, which is why you have to send a photo. If you already have a photograph that you think is appropriate to be turned into a portrait, you can upload it on a specialized website, and wait for the portrait to be delivered. If you have to take that photograph that you are going to upload, here are some tips on how to do this, so that the outcome is at least satisfactory.
First of all, you should try to photograph your pet in natural light, but not indirect sunlight, because that might not turn out very similar to reality. Second of all, pets react differently to flashes, and cats, of all pets are the most perverse when it comes to that. Not only can the flash scare your pet, but it can also make its eyes red. Furthermore, the flash may be to bright for your pet’s eyes, so you should avoid taking a photo of your dog looking straight into the camera, or better yet, you should try not to use a flash at all.
Just as humans, pets can be very moody, so, if you want a good photo for your pet portraits, you should avoid taking it when they have just woken up. Actually, no time of the day can be called excellent for taking pictures of your pet, which means that you have to have your camera ready at all times, once you have decided to take a picture of your dog, let’s say.
Don’t forget that your pet should be the focus of the photograph, so that the artist painting your dog portrait can have a clear image of what he or she is about to draw. This is the reason why you should avoid a busy background, and remember that to many details may make the picture, and therefore the portrait, too disturbing to the eye.
If you want to capture a very natural image of your pet, you should try taking the picture in the places where it is most comfortable, such as lying on the floor or in an armchair. In a similar way, if you want to have a portrait of a playful cat or dog, you should try asking someone to play with it, and you can take the photo as they do so.
Pet portraits are a wonderful gift, both for yourself and for someone dear to you, and when they look just as you want them to, they are all the more precious.
For more resources about Pet portraits or even about Dog portraits please review this website http://www.paintyourlife.com
Dog Portraits – Ideal Gifts for Dog Lovers
Many people choose to share their lives with a pet, for various reasons. Be it loneliness and the need for companionship, be it the unselfish need to the care of another soul, be it your kids’ wish to have a pet, or any other reason, it is very easy to grow fond of your pet very fast. You’ll see that in no time you’ll have them deep in your heart, and you’ll love them as much as you love yourself. People appreciate pets mainly because they receive unconditioned love from them. All it takes is that you feed your dog, for instance, and take him out for a walk every day, and you’ll have the most loyal friend possible, one that will never betray you. That fact that your dog can’t speak back to you is no longer of importance, because every day he proves to you that he understands what you’re going through and is sympathetic of your problems. By now, you must have figured out a way to communicate and so nothing stands in your way of being best friends. In other words, your dog is a very important part of your life.
Given that, most of us feel the need to show their appreciation for their pet, and choose to do so by have pet portraits drawn up. A photograph of your pet is always an option, but it just does not seem as pet portraits. After all, it is the same with humans, not just with pets. Imagine you visit someone’s home, and you se there portraits of the owners. I’d say that a lot more impressive than seeing a lot of photographs of the same people. Photos are meant to remind you of certain beautiful moments in your life, great vacations maybe, but portraits are something special. If you love your four-legged companion so much, pet portraits are a great idea. The fact that these oil pet portraits last a lifetime ads up to their value. Anyone can take a photo of his or her dog for instance, but dog portraits are so much more special, because each and every single one is handmade and unique.
Some people grow extremely fond of their pets over the years and eventually think of them as family members. When these loving friends pass away, nothing can be more appropriate than pet portraits to honor their memory.
Pet portraits can also make the ideal gift for someone who is an incurable pet lover. All it takes is that you get a photo of that pet, which does not seem like such a difficult task, since you can simply ask the owner to email you a photo of his/her pet, and than you upload it to a specialized web site that will take care of everything. In as little as ten days you can have your dog portrait ready to frame and surprise your friend with an extraordinary gift. Of course, you could have a picture framed and give it as a gift, but the impact it would have on the pet’s owner would probably be nothing compared to that of getting a pet portrait as a gift.
Regardless of the final destination, be it a gift or a painting for your own delight, dog portraits, and all pet portraits in general are made from photographs. Every pet owner knows that it’s difficult enough to make a pet stand still just for a few moments to take a photo, let alone for the hours it takes to draw a painting. Therefore, all you have to do is upload a relevant photograph, choose size and type, and pay twenty percent in advance. Once pet portraits are ready, a photograph is emailed to the person who made the order, and the portraits can only be delivered after that person has given his or her confirmation. Should there be any requests for modifications, the portraits can be modified to meet your requirements, and will only be shipped to you afterwards.
For more resources about Pet portraits or even about Dog portraits please review this website http://www.paintyourlife.com
How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Obesity is on the rise for canines. The reasons for this influx are similar to those that humans experience, too much food and too little exercise. The results of obesity are similar for your canine friends too. Studies reveal that 25% of overweight dogs experience severe joint problems. This effects there daily activities such as walking, standing and sitting. It also increases pain and makes jumping up or down off the bed difficult. If a dog is overweight its lungs cannot function properly- the extra fat pushes against the lungs and diaphragm and makes breathing more difficult. Carrying extra weight decrease ability to preform daily activities. It takes more work to do everything. Body systems have to do more than they were designed for because extra weight places strain on the heart, muscles and respiratory system. Because being overweight causes daily tasks to be more difficult and causes more pain, dogs can become more irritable. Dogs who are overweight have a shorter life span and a lower quality of life. However, there are several things that a pet owner can do to help their animals shed the pounds and live a longer, happier life.
Assessing Your Dog
One way to get an idea if your dog is overweight is by checking their ribs. The ribs should not be visible as they stand, but still detectable when you touch them or when they move (such as jumping in the air to catch a Frisbee). If you cannot feel your dogs ribs, they are probably overweight. The first and for most important measure though, is to take your dog to their veterinarian. Your dog should be seen on a yearly basis for a routine check up. One reason why visiting your veterinarian is so important is that some dogs do not look overweight. Large dogs can especially hide weight well. Your veterinarian will be able to decide if your dog is overweight and why. To help your veterinarian keep a record of what you are doing with your dog before you go. Record your dogs patterns such as sleeping, eating and exercise. In some cases weight issues might be due to medical conditions, such a thyroid problems, verses overeating and under exercising.
Feeding
Dog's have a strong need for affection. One reason dogs overeat is that pet owners use food as an easy way to show their affection. It is not recommended to do this. Using food as a means of reward trains your dog to seek food for affection. This adds to their weight gain and all the other associated problems. Instead, fill their need for attention with games, petting and playing or get a new toy or go for a walk. Habits are hard to break, so here are few tips to help you. Do not leave food out all day. Set a schedule and a location to eat. One meal per day (or two small ones) is all that a dog needs. Also, one day each week with no food will help burn excess fat which they have stored in their bodies. Dogs are trained in behavior. If they beg at the table and someone gives them food, they learn that begging results in getting what they want. To help change this pattern feed your dog before you eat and keep them in another room while you have dinner. After, take them out for a walk or to play a game so they feel loved and get the attention they need. Once new patterns have been decided upon make sure everyone in the family is on board. Otherwise someone might feel "sorry" for the begging dog and give them "just a little something" and this will slow down or prevent your dog's weight loss, especially if that "little something" is every day. Meet as a family to discuss the need for changes in your dog's diet and how your animal will be effected if you don't. This will help everyone understand why and help them keep the new rules.
Exercise
The enthusiasm for new changes might cause over doing exercise at first, but it is important not to do this. Start slowly, for just a few minutes a couple times a day. This will be sufficient at first and then you can slowly increase their activity. Encourage your dog to move around the house with you. Movement frequently and throughout the day is essential. If you take your dog out for a hard run to get him "in shape" it might do more harm than good. Especially when no exercise has been implemented in his routine before. A nice, leisurely walk is sufficient each day and then a couple of times a day as directed by your veterinarian. Another way to get movement is by playing games with your dog. As your dog increases in strength and endurance playing fetch is fun for the dog and helps them get in more activity. Follow your veterinarian's plan and keep appointments. This is especially important if the weight loss is significant.
Loving your pet is doing what is best for them. Increasing their activity and reducing their treats and table scraps will help them become their ideal weight. Your dog will move easier and breath lighter and you can sleep better knowing their health is on the right track.
About the Author
Emma Snow an animal lover works in marketing for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net leading portals for pet management.