North of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge is wine country! The Sonoma Valley is best known for its world-class wineries and luxurious spas, but in some circles it’s also known for its assistance dogs. A scenic hour-and-a-half drive on highway 101 brings you to beautiful Santa Rosa—home of Canine Companions for Independence. In early June, I was the lucky person sent by Eukanuba to observe a photo and video shoot featuring some extraordinary (and adorable) Canine Companions puppies.

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge at night is an incredible experience!

Approximately 50 Canine Companion dogs, ages 2-days to 10-years old, participated in the photo and video shoot—which lasted for 4 days. Most of the work was done on the Canine Companions’ Santa Rosa campus, but there were some scenes shot in the surrounding area. It was sometimes hard to decide what to look at: the extraordinary puppy being photographed or the incredible scenery serving as a backdrop!

The Creative Team

Our creative team came from LINK Technologies, LLC. The on-site video crew of 8 was led by director Brandon Jameson—an award-winning artist with passion for pets.

Brandon Jameson led the creative team.

“BJ” has a talent for bringing out the best in his video subjects, and his crew worked with him in a seamless process that made the work they did seem effortless—even though what they were doing required massive amounts of concentration, patience, and hard work. (One of the puppies born while we were there was named “Brandon” as a thank you to BJ for all his creative work!)

Working with BJ was award-winning photographer Mark Rogers. Mark is based in San Francisco where he has a thriving photography business.

Mark Rogers, photographer

Mark’s photos have appeared in books, magazines, and on some very popular pet sites. He specializes in pet photos—and he is brilliant! His style is very contemporary and pet photos always seem to zoom in on the essence of the pet, candidly revealing their personality and uniqueness. His goal is always to show everybody having a good time.

LINK brought approximately 2 tons of gear to the Canine Companions campus for the shoot.

It might look chaotic, but the LINK team knew where each piece of equipment was stored.

Three out of four LINK crew members have 1+ dogs or cats at home. BJ shares his life with one Eukanuba-loving Chihuahua and two Fennec Foxes! Mark’s family includes a little Corgie-Jack Russell mix named Bizzy

Altogether, there were over 70 people (LINK crew/support, Eukanuba, Canine Companions) involved in the shoot.

From the first creative spark to the finished product, it has taken roughly 5 months to complete this project.

On this shoot, LINK also used mini “lipstick cams” to get the puppy’s point-of-view.

The Video Shoot

Our goal was to create 4 new puppy training videos to spruce up our PuppyStart website. The videos include house and crate training, basic obedience, chewing, grooming and socialization. We worked with and featured members of the Canine Companions’ professional team of trainers. What could be more extraordinary than getting training tips from the best?

Professional dog trainer, James Dern and CCI trainee Cassidy are very patient while BJ sets up the shot.

In addition, we wanted to create a video that Canine Companions could use that would illustrate the life of a Canine Companions dog. From birth, through the first 8 weeks of puppy rearing, on to more intensive training, and finally graduation with their new human partner.

The not-so-glamorous life of a CCI rock star!

The Photo Shoot

While the video shoot was happening, we also worked on a photo shoot. These photos would be used mostly for the annual Canine Companions Calendar, but a few of the shots would find their way into Eukanuba marketing materials.

Mark works with Claribel

The calendar is used as a fund-raiser for Canine Companions and the 2011 version features beautiful photos of adult dogs and puppies—all members of Canine Companions. It’s an amazing value at only $10—and purchase helps support Canine Companions. An added bonus—there are Eukanuba coupons included at the back of the calendar*!

Claribel’s foster mom (a puppy raiser for CCI) helps Claribel to focus

*SPECIAL NOTE: Even though the coupons in the back of the Canine Companions Calendar celebrate puppies, the coupons can be used on any Eukanuba li

fe stage formula.

On July 4 of this year, Canine Companions for Independence celebrated its 35th birthday! That’s 35 years of helping people with disabilities achieve independence.
“Exceptional Dogs for Exceptional People”

Sending my kid off to college this past year was tough.  I knew I would miss his companionship, the sound of his laughter, and the excitement (i.e. drama) that his presence brought to the household.  I even missed the dirty dishes and smelly socks that seemed to grow from the carpet itself.  But as any empty nester could tell you, it is refreshingly wonderful to focus on my own hobbies again. No mistake now – I adore my son and wouldn’t trade the last 18 years for anything.  I had a great time hosting birthday parties and going to band concerts.  I’m a proud mom and feel pretty good that I did the best I could for this kid of mine.  But he’s grown his wings and has flown from my nest. Truth be told, it’s more like he learned to fly after a teensy push from momma bird’s foot while he was looking over the edge of the nest.  If you’ve had the pleasure of a teenager in your house, chances are you know where I’m coming from.

So now back to my own life. For some time, I had wanted to get involved with Canine Companions for Independence. CCI is an awesome non-profit organization that trains and provides skilled service dogs to people with disabilities. I was first inspired by friends who were longtime volunteer puppy raiser for this organization.  Then two of my co-workers became CCI puppy raisers. I watched as several beautiful pups grew up and moved on to their dog destinies. And so finally, after sending the kid off to college, it became my turn and I contacted CCI about signing up as a volunteer puppy raiser. It seemed like a perfect fit – I love dogs, I work in a pet-friendly office, and now I even have a newly vacated spare bedroom. It’s all good.

We would love to hear your comments/stories about your involvement with CCI or other service dog organizations.