Robyn Arouty is going on location with her popular fundraising event this Saturday, April 7th at The Little Couple’s new pet boutique Rocky & Maggie’s. Discounted portrait sessions are only $50 & 100% of the proceeds will be split between Bunny Buddies & Houston Area Doberman Rescue, who will be at the store with adoption events on the same day. This is a very special holiday themed event with a twist…so, get ready for…

AWKWARD FAMILY PET PHOTOS!

Maximum of 1 person & 1 pet for these sessions due to space restrictions. Pet parents can wear the bunny costume head or the body or both to pose with their dog for portraits. (Other fun props & accessories will also be on hand). There are only 12 appointments available. If you’d like more information about POCKETSHOTS, please go to Robyn’s website. And if you’re ready for some fun…

BOOKITNOW!

Rocky & Maggie’s is located at 2535 Times Boulevard in Rice Village & the event is from 10a-5p.

I like to read biographies of people who inspire me. Here’s hoping Cookie’s story inspires you…

Not long after that first tour, I brought my camera up to BARC…so instead of dog walking that day, I took pics of the volunteers posing with the dogs they were getting to know. My work ’til this point was strictly product photography…vintage furniture, jewelry, clothing, etc. for several companies…but I swore I’d never do portrait work because the subjects were able to move & talk back & that would be difficult…LOL! Anyway, one thing led to another & I soon met a writer for the Examiner.com named Nicole Sica. She liked the photos I posted on my blog & asked me to start taking photos of adoptable animals so she could do a weekly column…& we could be proactive & get some of those babies moving out of the place while we worked with the city to get better conditions. (That took years…& is another story entirely…but I’m happy that day is finally here…as BARC is now light years ahead of where they were when this story took place!!)

Then I met Cookie. I named him because back then the animals were just known by their numbers. He was so special.

He was heartworm + & it was a wonder that he was even still there. So sweet & smart…we spent some quality time together & got some good shots…I wanted to make sure he would be found by a great family.

I’d post the Examiner.com feature, but it’s been taken down…I guess since Nicole no longer writes for them.

While at BARC, there was a scarlet letter placed on Cookie. Someone reported him as having nipped at them. I couldn’t believe it. Here is the flyer that was subsequently circulated:

Instead of recounting the terrible stuff that happened after that…I’ll post the original article’s link by Craig Masilow of the Houston Press here:

“More (Somewhat Meandering, But Nevertheless Entertaining) Tales Of BARC Incompetence.”

Feel free to read all the lovely comments below the article too. You’ll get an idea of what rescue life was like back then. A lot of backstabbing & bullshit…mostly from people who are not even involved in helping BARC anymore. I’m sure glad those days are behind us. Oh, they’re not? Whatever. LOL! (Yes, grow some thick skin if you want to help homeless animals…your blood pressure will thank you later!)

So, after all the mess…I was contacted by a rescue who said they’d be happy to take Cookie in as a foster & sponsor his vetting. I was thrilled. Here we are getting snow cones with some friends soon after. Doesn’t he look happy to be out of doggie jail??

Then he was adopted by a fabulous family & Nancy became his new mama! I couldn’t have been happier for both of them. Nancy & I kept in touch via facebook for a while…but I hadn’t heard from her in quite some time…until recently, when she wrote me & then signed up for a pocketshots session for next weekend! I didn’t want to wait to see both of them, so I invited her over the studio. They were in this morning & it was so wonderful! I had happy tears & it made everything rush back through my mind…as you can tell! Cookie is still the light of her life. A laid back & cuddly guy who runs the show!

So…. Yes, it’s hard work sometimes…but we have to keep going for them. They count on us to keep fighting the fight.

A retired nurse & modest woman…become independent rescuer…just minding her own biz…but now on a mission to save & protect “The Forgotten Dogs of the 5th Ward” in Houston.

Meet Kelle Mann Davis. RockStar.

It happened pretty quickly… I mentioned that I’d love to spend the day with her sometime…& after I convinced her it didn’t matter how icky her car was…she said, “how about tomorrow if it doesn’t rain?”

4 of us went in Kelle’s car at noon today…met on the east side of town. They had a list of things they wanted to accomplish. First up was a call from Barrio Dogs about 3 puppies near a ravine. The man that heard them crying was supposed to meet us there…but he was nowhere to be found. So, we started walking. Should have worn my boots today…

We were walking a couple of stories above the ravine…it was terribly steep…i’d say close to 90 degrees…& the dirt was mud…you get the idea. The thought of them being close to the water scared me…had no idea how we’d pull that off without being in serious danger.

Then they made some noise…2 lil’ shits in the bushes. Aren’t they cute? They came over pretty quickly when the food came out. But, that was just 2 out of 3 puppies…

The puppies were eating & we turned around to see a skeleton of a dog in the distance. Kelle walked in his direction…they met each other half way…he was a friendly guy. He got a meal out of one of the many bags of food in Kelle’s trunk. This continued to happen throughout the day…dogs appearing out of nowhere…TONS of them.

And then we were off the find puppy #3…

There was an abandoned bridge about 1/4 mile up the road. It all happened really quickly… I heard a peep, looked over…& I couldn’t believe what I saw!

I turned around to call for Kelle…& this is what I saw… A neighborhood street…with people walking & cars passing…right next to a dead dog on the road. It’s commonplace in these parts of town. Very sad…but true.

Also wanted to show you…on the left side of photo is where the walkway towards the puppy is.

Without 1 ounce of hesitation Kelle was running for the bridge. As soon as the puppy saw Kelle, her tail began to wag!

Can you even believe this shit?? And btw…it was a miracle in itself that my 50mm lens captured this…no telephoto today.

Then she friggin’ swoops down & grabs the baby!!! Sherry was waiting for Kelle to pass her up. Unbelievable!!!

So, our first mission was just about over… Insane!

So, then the guy who originally found the puppies showed up with a crate. The next puppy came out of the bushes & Kelle got him pretty quick. The 3rd & final puppy was a different story… Let’s just say he gave her a run for her money. But all ended well. And this gentleman took all 3 home to foster temporarily through Barrio Dogs, Inc.

Then the ice cream truck showed up. Totally weird. So, the girls got Kelle a creamsicle for her troubles. HaHa. We were soon off to make the rounds. Here’s one guy that Kelle visits weekly…she knows the owners & drops off dog food.

We went to visit Oleta. She’s 90 years old & told Kelle she’d like to sign a form that would give Kelle rights to her dogs if anything should happen to her. Unfortunately, she wasn’t in the mood to discuss today…she had just rec’d bad news from the doctor’s office…

Please don’t let all this work be in vain. I am an animal advocate before I am a photographer. So, I hope these photos inspire you to reach out & do more. Your skills can fit in somewhere in the animal welfare community…I promise… If making a donation is how you’d like to contribute…then you may do so here:

http://peopleforkristi.chipin.com/fd5thwp

“Pocketshots were created with animal welfare organizations in mind—more specifically rescues, who work so tirelessly to save Houston’s precious lives every day. I have been working as a rescuer & animal advocate for several years, but I wanted to do more. Pocketshots are all-day fundraising events that I host at my studio. Appointments are scheduled every 30 minutes for portraits of you with your dogs, cats, kids, ?? Everyone is welcome! Each event benefits a different group & I am happy to report I have donated over $20,000 to area rescues since pocketshots began in November 2010.”  — Robyn

This event will benefit Friends of BARC on Sunday, July 15th!

Ready to schedule? Click here to BOOKITNOW.

Information…Please note, there have been some changes to the scheduling process.

A $25 donation to the rescue gets you a discount on your sitting fee for custom portrait session, which is $50 for 1 person &/or 1 pet…plus $15 for each additional pet or person.

(For example, you & 1 dog  =  $75. $25 of that will be donated to the rescue.)

SELECT:

1. TOTAL # of pets & people

2. July 15th date

3. Timeslot you want

4. Pay online via paypal. Easy Peasy! (It is not necessary to have a paypal account).

The SPANKIN’ NEW studio is located at 2112 N. Memorial Way Houston, TX 77007. Off Washington Avenue near downtown. (Map)

If you would prefer to pay by check, please email robyn@arouty.com to make arrangements & reserve a slot.

Please watch our video…“POCKETSHOTS…A Day in The Life”

…and Behind the Scenes at Olive the Piggie’s Houston Pettalk photoshoot!

Visit Robyn on facebook!

To view Robyn’s portfolio & for more information, please visit her website: robynarouty.com

Ready to schedule? Click here to BOOKITNOW.

FAQ’s

1.  Do I need a paypal account?

No. You can pay via paypal with your credit card.

2. How should I prepare for my shoot?

Please work on SIT & STAY with your dog(s). Reward their good work with lots of treats. This will help the process tremendously…but if they don’t quite get it, no worries…my assistant is the bomb!

3. What should I wear?

Solid bright/dark colored tops are best. Stay away from white/beige/pastel colors. Sneakers & shorts are not the best choice for portraits. Structured fabrics work better versus silks. Accessories like chunky jewelry, hats, glasses, & scarves are fun. Wear a little more makeup than you normally would. Bring your favorite shoes or boots…or rock a pedi & go barefoot! Please visit Robyn’s Pinterest board for inspiration!

4. Do I need to bring accessories for my dog(s)?

Dogs will be naked without a collar for the shoot. You may bring accessories for them, but they are not required.

5. Do I need to bring treats?

We have natural treats here…but, by all means, bring their favorite treats if you like.

6.  Can I bring my dog even though he has bit one or more people?

No. Sorry…

7. Can I get frustrated, be aggressive to my dog, hit my dog & do anything I want to make him do what you’re asking during our shoot?

Hells No! 30 minutes is plenty of time to do what is necessary. The dogs are in a new environment & we understand this. This is not our first rodeo…& we are prepared to teach them & be patient with the process. We ask that you do the same. You will receive 1 warning if any of above occurs. If done again…you will be asked to leave without a refund.

8. What will the backdrop/set look like?

A fab & original design of some sort. Surprise! Photos of upcoming sets are usually posted a few days before each event on the facebook page.

9. Where is your studio?

We are located off Washington Avenue, not far from the Salvation Army Thrift Store.

The address is 2112 N. Memorial Way Houston, TX 77007  (map)

10. Do you have a waiting room?

Yes & you will enter the studio from the back & exit out the front. It is big enough to hold one family. So, please wait outside in fenced yard if you have arrived early for your scheduled appointment.

11. Do you charge for more than one person?

Additional people are $15 each.

12. How many outfits/pairs of shoes should I bring?

We are limited on time. Most clients come prepared wearing what they will shoot in. If you want to bring extra clothing or shoes, feel free to do so, but please leave your suitcase at home!

13. How long will it take to see my proofs?

In approximately one week from the shoot, I will email you a link to your private online viewing gallery.

14. When is the next pocketshots event?

Please refer to UPCOMING EVENTS

15. Will there be any other dogs in the studio during my shoot?

No.

16. How many dogs can I bring?

Up to 5 per 30 minute session. Feel free to book back to back slots if you have more than 5 dogs or have special requests.

17. I don’t have a dog. Can I bring my cat/bunny/monkey?

Yes.

18. Do I need to have the same breed of dog of the sponsored rescue to attend?

No! All are welcome to support all rescues!

19. If I can’t make it to my scheduled session, can I reschedule or get a refund?

No, this is a charity event with limited availability.

“Pocketshots were created with animal welfare organizations in mind—more specifically rescues, who work so tirelessly to save Houston’s precious lives every day. I have been working as a rescuer & animal advocate for several years, but I wanted to do more. Pocketshots are all-day fundraising events that I host at my studio. Appointments are scheduled every 30 minutes for portraits of you with your dogs, cats, kids, ?? Everyone is welcome! Each event benefits a different group & I am happy to report I have donated over $20,000 to area rescues since pocketshots began in November 2010.”  — Robyn

This event will benefit Italian Greyhound Rescue Houston on Saturday, June 30th!

Ready to schedule? Click here to BOOKITNOW.

Information…Please note, there have been some changes to the scheduling process.

A $25 donation to the rescue gets you a discount on your sitting fee for custom portrait session, which is $50 for 1 person &/or 1 pet…plus $15 for each additional pet or person.

(For example, you & 1 dog  =  $75. $25 of that will be donated to the rescue.)

SELECT:

1. TOTAL # of pets & people

2. June 30th date

3. Timeslot you want

4. Pay online via paypal. Easy Peasy! (It is not necessary to have a paypal account).

The SPANKIN’ NEW studio is located at 2112 N. Memorial Way Houston, TX 77007. Off Washington Avenue near downtown. (Map)

If you would prefer to pay by check, please email robyn@arouty.com to make arrangements & reserve a slot.

Please watch our video…“POCKETSHOTS…A Day in The Life”

…and Behind the Scenes at Olive the Piggie’s Houston Pettalk photoshoot!

Visit Robyn on facebook!

To view Robyn’s portfolio & for more information, please visit her website: robynarouty.com

Ready to schedule? Click here to BOOKITNOW.

FAQ’s

1.  Do I need a paypal account?

No. You can pay via paypal with your credit card.

2. How should I prepare for my shoot?

Please work on SIT & STAY with your dog(s). Reward their good work with lots of treats. This will help the process tremendously…but if they don’t quite get it, no worries…my assistant is the bomb!

3. What should I wear?

Solid bright/dark colored tops are best. Stay away from white/beige/pastel colors. Sneakers & shorts are not the best choice for portraits. Structured fabrics work better versus silks. Accessories like chunky jewelry, hats, glasses, & scarves are fun. Wear a little more makeup than you normally would. Bring your favorite shoes or boots…or rock a pedi & go barefoot! Please visit Robyn’s Pinterest board for inspiration!

4. Do I need to bring accessories for my dog(s)?

Dogs will be naked without a collar for the shoot. You may bring accessories for them, but they are not required.

5. Do I need to bring treats?

We have natural treats here…but, by all means, bring their favorite treats if you like.

6.  Can I bring my dog even though he has bit one or more people?

No. Sorry…

7. Can I get frustrated, be aggressive to my dog, hit my dog & do anything I want to make him do what you’re asking during our shoot?

Hells No! 30 minutes is plenty of time to do what is necessary. The dogs are in a new environment & we understand this. This is not our first rodeo…& we are prepared to teach them & be patient with the process. We ask that you do the same. You will receive 1 warning if any of above occurs. If done again…you will be asked to leave without a refund.

8. What will the backdrop/set look like?

A fab & original design of some sort. Surprise! Photos of upcoming sets are usually posted a few days before each event on the facebook page.

9. Where is your studio?

We are located off Washington Avenue, not far from the Salvation Army Thrift Store.

The address is 2112 N. Memorial Way Houston, TX 77007  (map)

10. Do you have a waiting room?

Yes & you will enter the studio from the back & exit out the front. It is big enough to hold one family. So, please wait outside in fenced yard if you have arrived early for your scheduled appointment.

11. Do you charge for more than one person?

Additional people are $15 each.

12. How many outfits/pairs of shoes should I bring?

We are limited on time. Most clients come prepared wearing what they will shoot in. If you want to bring extra clothing or shoes, feel free to do so, but please leave your suitcase at home!

13. How long will it take to see my proofs?

In approximately one week from the shoot, I will email you a link to your private online viewing gallery.

14. When is the next pocketshots event?

Please refer to UPCOMING EVENTS

15. Will there be any other dogs in the studio during my shoot?

No.

16. How many dogs can I bring?

Up to 5 per 30 minute session. Feel free to book back to back slots if you have more than 5 dogs or have special requests.

17. I don’t have a dog. Can I bring my cat/bunny/monkey?

Yes.

18. Do I need to have the same breed of dog of the sponsored rescue to attend?

No! All are welcome to support all rescues!

19. If I can’t make it to my scheduled session, can I reschedule or get a refund?

No, this is a charity event with limited availability.

“Pocketshots were created with animal welfare organizations in mind—more specifically rescues, who work so tirelessly to save Houston’s precious lives every day. I have been working as a rescuer & animal advocate for several years, but I wanted to do more. Pocketshots are all-day fundraising events that I host at my studio. Appointments are scheduled every 30 minutes for portraits of you with your dogs, cats, kids, ?? Everyone is welcome! Each event benefits a different group & I am happy to report I have donated over $20,000 to area rescues since pocketshots began in November 2010.”  — Robyn

This event will benefit Buster’s Friends on Saturday, June 9th!

Ready to schedule? Click here to BOOKITNOW.

Information…Please note, there have been some changes to the scheduling process.

A $25 donation to the rescue gets you a discount on your sitting fee for custom portrait session, which is $50 for 1 person &/or 1 pet…plus $15 for each additional pet or person.

(For example, you & 1 dog  =  $75. $25 of that will be donated to the rescue.)

SELECT:

1. TOTAL # of pets & people

2. June 9th date

3. Timeslot you want

4. Pay online via paypal. Easy Peasy! (It is not necessary to have a paypal account).

The SPANKIN’ NEW studio is located at 2112 N. Memorial Way Houston, TX 77007. Off Washington Avenue near downtown. (Map)

If you would prefer to pay by check, please email robyn@arouty.com to make arrangements & reserve a slot.

Please watch our video…“POCKETSHOTS…A Day in The Life”

…and Behind the Scenes at Olive the Piggie’s Houston Pettalk photoshoot!

Visit Robyn on facebook!

To view Robyn’s portfolio & for more information, please visit her website: robynarouty.com

Ready to schedule? Click here to BOOKITNOW.

FAQ’s

1.  Do I need a paypal account?

No. You can pay via paypal with your credit card.

2. How should I prepare for my shoot?

Please work on SIT & STAY with your dog(s). Reward their good work with lots of treats. This will help the process tremendously…but if they don’t quite get it, no worries…my assistant is the bomb!

3. What should I wear?

Solid bright/dark colored tops are best. Stay away from white/beige/pastel colors. Sneakers & shorts are not the best choice for portraits. Structured fabrics work better versus silks. Accessories like chunky jewelry, hats, glasses, & scarves are fun. Wear a little more makeup than you normally would. Bring your favorite shoes or boots…or rock a pedi & go barefoot! Please visit Robyn’s Pinterest board for inspiration!

4. Do I need to bring accessories for my dog(s)?

Dogs will be naked without a collar for the shoot. You may bring accessories for them, but they are not required.

5. Do I need to bring treats?

We have natural treats here…but, by all means, bring their favorite treats if you like.

6.  Can I bring my dog even though he has bit one or more people?

No. Sorry…

7. Can I get frustrated, be aggressive to my dog, hit my dog & do anything I want to make him do what you’re asking during our shoot?

Hells No! 30 minutes is plenty of time to do what is necessary. The dogs are in a new environment & we understand this. This is not our first rodeo…& we are prepared to teach them & be patient with the process. We ask that you do the same. You will receive 1 warning if any of above occurs. If done again…you will be asked to leave without a refund.

8. What will the backdrop/set look like?

A fab & original design of some sort. Surprise! Photos of upcoming sets are usually posted a few days before each event on the facebook page.

9. Where is your studio?

We are located off Washington Avenue, not far from the Salvation Army Thrift Store.

The address is 2112 N. Memorial Way Houston, TX 77007  (map)

10. Do you have a waiting room?

Yes & you will enter the studio from the back & exit out the front. It is big enough to hold one family. So, please wait outside in fenced yard if you have arrived early for your scheduled appointment.

11. Do you charge for more than one person?

Additional people are $15 each.

12. How many outfits/pairs of shoes should I bring?

We are limited on time. Most clients come prepared wearing what they will shoot in. If you want to bring extra clothing or shoes, feel free to do so, but please leave your suitcase at home!

13. How long will it take to see my proofs?

In approximately one week from the shoot, I will email you a link to your private online viewing gallery.

14. When is the next pocketshots event?

Please refer to UPCOMING EVENTS

15. Will there be any other dogs in the studio during my shoot?

No.

16. How many dogs can I bring?

Up to 5 per 30 minute session. Feel free to book back to back slots if you have more than 5 dogs or have special requests.

17. I don’t have a dog. Can I bring my cat/bunny/monkey?

Yes.

18. Do I need to have the same breed of dog of the sponsored rescue to attend?

No! All are welcome to support all rescues!

19. If I can’t make it to my scheduled session, can I reschedule or get a refund?

No, this is a charity event with limited availability.

“Pocketshots were created with animal welfare organizations in mind—more specifically rescues, who work so tirelessly to save Houston’s precious lives every day. I have been working as a rescuer & animal advocate for several years, but I wanted to do more. Pocketshots are all-day fundraising events that I host at my studio. Appointments are scheduled every 30 minutes for portraits of you with your dogs, cats, kids, ?? Everyone is welcome! Each event benefits a different group & I am happy to report I have donated over $20,000 to area rescues since pocketshots began in November 2010.”  — Robyn

This event will benefit PugHearts of Houston on Saturday,  May 12th!

Ready to schedule? Click here to BOOKITNOW.

Information…Please note, there have been some changes to the scheduling process.

A $25 donation to the rescue gets you a discount on your sitting fee for custom portrait session, which is $50 for 1 person &/or 1 pet…plus $15 for each additional pet or person.

(For example, you & 1 dog  =  $75. $25 of that will be donated to the rescue.)

SELECT:

1. TOTAL # of pets & people

2. May 12th date

3. Time slot you want

4. Pay online via paypal. Easy Peasy! (It is not necessary to have a paypal account).

The SPANKIN’ NEW studio is located at 2112 N. Memorial Way Houston, TX 77007. Off Washington Avenue near downtown. (Map)

If you would prefer to pay by check, please email robyn@arouty.com to make arrangements & reserve a slot.

Please watch our video…“POCKETSHOTS…A Day in The Life”

…and Behind the Scenes at Olive the Piggie’s Houston Pettalk photoshoot!

Visit Robyn on facebook!

To view Robyn’s portfolio & for more information, please visit her website: robynarouty.com

Ready to schedule? Click here to BOOKITNOW.

FAQ’s

1.  Do I need a paypal account?

No. You can pay via paypal with your credit card.

2. How should I prepare for my shoot?

Please work on SIT & STAY with your dog(s). Reward their good work with lots of treats. This will help the process tremendously…but if they don’t quite get it, no worries…my assistant is the bomb!

3. What should I wear?

Solid bright/dark colored tops are best. Stay away from white/beige/pastel colors. Structured fabrics work better versus silks. Accessories like chunky jewelry, hats &scarves are fun. Wear a little more makeup than you normally would. Bring your favorite shoes or boots for those feet shots…or rock a pedi & go barefoot! Please visit Robyn’s Pinterest board for inspiration!

4. Do I need to bring accessories for my dog(s)?

Dogs will be naked without a collar for the shoot. You may bring accessories for them, but they are not required.

5. Do I need to bring treats?

We have natural treats here…but, by all means, bring their favorite treats if you like.

6.  Can I bring my dog even though he has bit one or more people?

No. Sorry…

7. Can I get frustrated, be aggressive to my dog, hit my dog & do anything I want to make him do what you’re asking during our shoot?

Hells No! 30 minutes is plenty of time to do what is necessary. The dogs are in a new environment & we understand this. This is not our first rodeo…& we are prepared to teach them & be patient with the process. We ask that you do the same. You will receive 1 warning if any of above occurs. If done again…you will be asked to leave without a refund.

8. What will the backdrop/set look like?

A fab & original design of some sort. Photos of upcoming sets are usually posted prior to each event on the facebook page.

9. Where is your studio?

We are located off Washington Avenue, not far from the Salvation Army Thrift Store.

The address is 2112 N. Memorial Way Houston, TX 77007  (map)

10. Do you have a waiting room?

Yes. It is big enough to hold one family. So, please wait outside in fenced yard if you have arrived early for your scheduled appointment.

11. Do you charge for more than one person?

Additional people are $15 each.

12. How many outfits/pairs of shoes should I bring?

We are limited on time. Most clients come prepared wearing what they will shoot in. If you want to bring extra clothing or shoes, feel free to do so, but please leave your suitcase at home!

13. How long will it take to see my proofs?

In approximately one week from the shoot, I will email you a link to your private online viewing gallery.

14. When is the next pocketshots event?

Please refer to UPCOMING EVENTS

15. Will there be any other dogs there during my shoot?

No.

16. How many dogs can I bring?

Up to 5 per 30 minute session. Feel free to book back to back slots if you have more than 5 dogs or have special requests.

17. I don’t have a dog. Can I bring my cat/bunny/monkey?

Yes.

18. Do I need to have the same breed of dog of the sponsored rescue to attend?

No! All are welcome to support all rescues!