2013 has been a challenging year for me personally, but it has been rewarding to review all the dogs and photographers I’ve been privileged to feature. With a huge thank you to everyone who has let me share their photos and stories, I wanted to post the top ten of 2013. I have wrestled with this post for a while because I realize that for one reason or another, almost all are my favorites. Finally, I realized that the best thing to do was to follow my heart. Rescue is important to me, its a major reason I decided to start the Daily Dog Tag, so I decided to limit my top ten posts to dogs who are rescues, only to discover that there were at least eleven must haves. And then I realized I wanted to include three extra posts! So in no particular order here are fourteen of my favorites. (This list has changed constantly since I started it.)
1. Addie – Alice G Patterson Photography * 2. Ginger – Ama Photography * 3. Ronin – Chic Sprinkles * 4. Rosie – ZA Designz * 5. Little Black – Dana Cubbage Photography * 6 Bokeh – Jodi Miller Photography
And the Nominees Are is my favorite post, probably because I was able to include so many of my favorites! There are plenty of rescues in this post, but not all are rescues. I love the diversity of the dogs and photographers!
Photo Credit: Sweet Rocket Photography
Tommy was once a lab dog and thanks to Beagle Freedom Project is now living the good life as a companion dog.
Photo Credit: © Chocolate Moose Images
Duncan was a foster dog looking for his forever home. I was thrilled to find out he was adopted from Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue. I also love that he had a foster family with three kids. The idea of growing up with foster dogs seems like a really nice way to grow up.
Photo credit © Charlotte Reeves Photography
Cosmo was one of ten puppies who were surrendered when their owner could no longer take care of them. Cosmo is super handsome even in his awkward teen phase.
Photo Credit: © Willow & Co.
Long before “Its Me or The Dog” ever aired, Dolittle’s original owner heard something similar from her boyfriend. She chose the boyfriend…I wonder if Dolittle’s original owner regrets choosing her boyfriend over her dog. My guess is yes. Either way, Dolittle is better off!
Photo Credit: © McGraw Photography
Gizmo is a rescue and he was also one of the models that three of my favorite photographers (Britt Croft, Dana Cubbage and Sarah McGraw) photographed on one amazing day. Not only are the photos terrific, but the support these women offer each other is wonderful to see.
Photo Credit: © Kaye Ness
Ace is the poster child for a dog’s resilience and ability to trust again. Found in the dumpster in his carrier, Ace was on the brink of death and would have died if not for a construction worker who found him and brought him for veterinary care.
Photo Credit: Westway Studio
Phoebe is still waiting to be adopted from Lionel’s Legacy. Lionel Legacy has placed a lot of senior dogs this year and feel strongly that the photos by Terran have greatly added to their success rate. I completely agree!
Photo Credit: © Kira DeDecker Photography
Lilah and Cooper were both adopted from breed specific rescues. Not only are the cutest odd couple, it makes me so happy that they both found the perfect home.
Photo Credit: © Purple Collar Pet Photography
Darwin was photographed while he was living with his foster brother and has happily found a home of his own.
Photo Credit: Photo Lab Pet Photography
Willow is a foster failure and has been such an inspiration to Nat and Bill, I’ve loved watching their story grow over this last year!
Photo Credit: © Gooch Too Photo
Jack from Yellow Brick Home stole my heart. He hasn’t given it back yet!
Photo Credit: © Petal Photography
Although Soda is not a rescue, featuring her and Serena from Pretty Fluffy was a big thrill for me! Serena is my blogger idol, so it might have been the best day ever when her photos arrived in my inbox.
Photo Credit: © Alice G Patterson Photography
And last, but certainly not least, the 12 Dogs (or so) of Christmas: Part 1 and Part 2 and the final image were among my favorite posts of the year. (At least 9 of these dogs are rescues!)
I hope you all have a safe and Happy New Year’s Eve whether you are out partying or snuggling up at home with your favorite canines!
Happy New Year!
Serena | Pretty Fluffy says
What a wonderful list Beth!
I have to say I was incredibly honoured to be included, thankyou so much.
I can sincerely say you inspire me daily with your devotion to rescues and helping dogs find forever homes. You’ve got something really special here at the Daily Dog Tag.
Wishing you a wonderful 2014! x
Robin says
What an uplifting way to end the year! It’s always fun to see all the amazing photographers and reading about happy endings on your site! Looking forward to reading more in 2014!
Sarah at LolaThePitty.com says
I absolutely love this! I thought I recognized Duncan – I follow along with the MN Pit Bull Rescue :). Stunning photos!!!
Alice says
Wow Beth- you put together such a lovely post and review of 2013! Your commitment to rescues is inspiring. You do an amazing job of promoting the rescue cause woth the growing trend of using beautiful photography. Like you, I believe this medium helps to highlight adoptable dogs by celebrating/illustrating their sweet spirits! I think 2014 is going to be a great year for you and The Daily Dog Tag…Happy New Year!
Heather says
Great choices! So many terrific dogs and fantastic photographers.
Pamela | Something Wagging This Way Comes says
Wow, I think this is the happiest 2013 year in review post I’ve seen yet. Thanks for sharing the happy rescue stories as well as the gorgeous pictures.
Nat says
A year full of happy endings is the best kind of year in review if you ask me, not to mention full of beautiful visuals. Thank you so much Beth for including us, and Willow in this post, we are truly humbled and very honored. Thank you!