So Shines a Good Deed

So shines a good deed in a weary world. [William Shakespeare]

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love dogs and that I’m a huge advocate of rescues and fostering. So when I had the recent opportunity to help out someone who shares that same passion, I was super excited to be a part. I offered to help out Ariane of DelaFoto fame with her signature Glamour Shots 2015 pet photo special, benefiting My Fairy Dawg Mother Rescue. Ariane (the fabulous photographer who shot my own “Mr. October” at Wash Park last Autumn) hosts this benefit every springtime, having had a special connection with My Fairy Dawg Mother since she began her business a few years ago. Ariane actively works to help animals find their ‘furever’ homes with these benefits. This two-day event was sold out and brought in quite the collection of adorable pooches and even a cat. The turnout ultimately raised $525 for the rescue. Way to go, Ariane!

  The location for this photo shoot was not your usual benefit  venue, it was the fabulous Balistreri Vineyards, a local gem in a most unlikely location. This family owed vineyard is located just 10 minutes from downtown Denver in a mixed use industrial/agricultural area. After photographing all the pups, we were treated to a personal tour of the cellar as well as checking out all the winemaking facilities by our gracious host, Julie (daughter of John & Birdie Balistreri). Julie provided us with a fantastic tour thoroughly explaining the entire process.  Their award-winning wines are traditionally handcrafted, without adding sulfites and having recently taken a winemaking class, it was impressive to see a commercial operation that goes the extra mile in the whole process to produce tasty wines the old fashioned way.

  Following the tour, we noshed on fabulous bread and antipasto and tasted some lovely fruit wine. All in all, it was totally beyond any expectations; all I had intended was to help out a rescue group by providing assistance for Ariane so she could focus on what she does best but was so warmly rewarded with a great experience, some great pooches and a great cause. My only regret was not having Sam with me but I’m sure he would have loved all the pups and their owners but sometimes a girl’s gotta do things on her own for others. I know he was with us in spirit and no doubt equally pleased that the rescue benefitted some well-deserving pups on their quest for finding the perfect ‘furever’ home on a gorgeous Spring day in the city. Cheers!

Live, love, bark! <3