Haslemere Pet Portraits: 2013 and the Launch of Whippet Snippets

Whippet owners seem to agree that once a sighthound has wrapped you round their elegant paws, there's no going back. They are vast in their idiosyncrasies and full of contradictions; affectionate but also aloof, fast but lazy, bold but nervous and oh so cheeky, quirky and playful. I think because of their unique nature, owners are almost fanatical about all things sighthound related; we love to buy them funky collars, special beds and a coat for each season. There is so much on offer out there that the options can be frankly dizzying! I thought it would be helpful to do a few personal reviews to hopefully make some of those decisions a bit easier - so far I have had some lovely feedback, I'm glad to have helped!

I set up Whippet Snippets towards the end 2013 as a bit of a side project to my main business but it has gained a life of its own! I have met some amazing people, heard stories, 'virtually' met Whippets from across the globe, had a 27 strong Whippet Beach walk and started offering pet portraits as an entity of it's own.

I already have a bunch of pet portraits booked in for 2014 - I am so excited that people are helping me combine two of my passions; animals & photography. I can't thank you enough for that. 

Here's a handful of my personal highlights from the year, lots of Whippet images, not surprises there then ;)

Start of the year and heavy snowfall. Luckily the boys have great coats!

Encapsulating the very essence of a Whippet

Our two became three when we adopted Boo.

We fostered a couple of amazing Lurchers for Hounds First. This is Kevin & Ava

We fell in love with our foster Milo (Now Mr. Bo). Those eyes!

Milo was so chilled out. 

Boo brought a real personality to our furry family.

Furry family portraits started taking off.

Pet portraits became available.

We had some amazing weather - lots of days at West Witterings beach.

Scout met the neighbours

We had some fun shooting in the beautiful Midhurst

I met this pooch who was perfect for the autumn colours

One of my favourite portraits of Scout

Not a highlight, but Jasper went through a tough time. So very glad he's over it now.

Autumn brought some fabulous foggy mornings

I played with snow overlays

I finally got round to taking a family portrait

I found some new places to shoot with spectacular scenery.

                                 

(c) www.kerryjordan.co.uk {Sussex & Surrey photographer}

Pet Portrait Gift Vouchers

I'm really quite excited about this! For the first time, you can now purchase gift vouchers from Kerry Jordan Photography. There are a few different packages so you can pick one that suits you.

A perfect gift for your dog mad friend or partner.

(c) www.kerryjordan.co.uk {Sussex & Surrey Pet Photographer}

West Wittering Whippet Beach Walk (Try saying that fast!)

When I met The Whippet Hotel a couple of months ago, I knew that we were going to get on. Anyone who shares the love of Whippets as much as I do (if not more!), is always going to rate high in my book.

I can't even remember how it came about, but an event was created, the word was spread, and on the 17th November at West Witterings Beach in Chichester, 27 Whippets and their owners convened for a truly awesome sight. It's a testament to both the Whippet breed & their owners, that there wasn't a single issue. There were whippets who were careering round like F1 racing drivers, puppies included, and ones that were just content to trot along and do their own thing. It really was a perfect sight for Whippeteers.

Another meet has been organised for the 5th January - details can be found in the events section of the Whippet Hotel's facebook page.

(c) www.kerryjordan.co.uk {Sussex & Surrey Pet Photographer}

A visit to the Whippet Hotel, Burgess Hill, West Sussex

I honestly can't think of a nicer way to spend time than being surrounded by whippets in the beautiful English countryside. And guess what, that's what I was doing this afternoon!

As most whippet owners will probably agree, whippets just aren't built for a stay in kennels, they like their home comforts too much. We don't actually go away without ours very often, and if we go for short periods we leave them with our amazing dog walker. When I found the Whippet Hotel, I wondered if this would be a perfect solution for if we ever get to go on a longer holiday.

I asked if I could pop over for a visit, and Caroline, the 'front desk' of the hotel, was more than happy to agree. 

They take security of your whippets very seriously, and there are three high gates to get into the fenced back garden. My pooches got to meet the hotel whippet family (Basil, Flippet & Seb) & their guests. It was just lovely to see so many whippets in one place!

A testament to how relaxed my hounds were; Jasper, who is never usually interested in other dogs, flirted shamelessly with all and sundry, but was particularly taken with Flippet, who played very hard to get. Scout, normally very indifferent, was in a playful mood, begging Basil to play, and Boo was her normal boundy self.

This really is a home away from home, where whippets can all cuddle on the sofa with the humans, and bask in front of an open fire. It helps that everyone in the household is super lovely and quite obviously adore the dogs that stay with them.

I can only see one obvious problem with this hotel - I want to stay there!

Whippet Hotel Website: http://www.thewhippethotel.co.uk

Whippet Hotel Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheWhippetHotel

(c) www.kerryjordan.co.uk {Sussex & Surrey Pet Photographer}