Top 10: September 2014

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HeARTs Speak artists cover a lot of ground. We’re home to over 500 members in 43 states and 13 countries, and that equates to a whole lot of professionally photographed, painted, sculpted, and illustrated adoptable pets. It’s also a highly respectable number of perfectly crafted bios, countless fundraising items, and a plethora of happy stories. As vital as social media…

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Tips for Photographing Black Animals

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There’s nothing wrong with working what your mama gave you. In fact, here at HeARTs Speak, we encourage it of our furry and feathery subjects! Alas, despite their best modeling efforts, this task presents some challenges for animals of the raven-coated persuasion. At any shelter or rescue you’ll occasionally hear murmurs that black pets sometimes seem…

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Artist Grant Recipient: Valerie Bruder

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A devoted HeARTs Speak member since October 2012, Valerie Bruder is also a tireless advocate for the homeless pets in her community. We’re delighted to introduce her as our June ‘Helping. Artists.’ grant recipient! The list of animal welfare organizations Valerie regularly helps is staggering and includes Camden County Animal Shelter, All They Need is Love Animal…

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5 Tips for Writing an Effective Pet Bio

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A quality photograph is worth its weight in gold for an adoptable animal, but an effectively written bio to accompany it is the juicy cherry on top. There’s no denying that words are a powerful vehicle for generating emotional connections; just think of your favorite piece of poetry or famous quote. A few thoughtfully selected…

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Success Story: Mali and Olivia

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Few things fuel the soul like a happy ending. For those who are close to the day-to-day workings of animal rescue this is especially true. HeARTs Speak artists provide life-changing services to their communities, but sadly those photo shoots, portraits, illustrations, and written words aren’t always punctuated by a family walking off into the sunset with their newest addition.

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Artist Grant Recipient: Sheryl Mann

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For the past 4 years, HeARTs speak member Sheryl Mann, owner of  Flying Dogs Photography, has volunteered her services to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Asheville, NC. During those 4 years, Sheryl has not only photographed countless adoptable animals, but in 2014 created a stunning fine art calendar which raised a whopping $40,000 for Brother Wolf. Sheryl’s ‘Helping. Artists.’…

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Artist Grant Recipient: John Bouma

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Thanks to the generous support of people and organizations that share our passion for animals, HeARTs Speak is able to provide member artists with the resources and tools they need to prioritize their work in the animal welfare community. John Bouma is our fourth featured recipient of the HeARTs Speak ‘Helping. Artists.’ grant.

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Don’t Lose Hope

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  HeARTs Speak artists are an exceptional breed. Our tough, seemingly impenetrable exteriors are complimented by soft and unapologetically patient centers. We’re loud and proud about our love and respect for all living things. We celebrate even the tiniest victories, and we hurt deeply when things don’t end happily. We’re altogether smart, focused, forces to be reckoned with, and the nicest people you’ll…

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Artist Grant Recipient: Kaye Ness

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Thanks to the generous support of people and organizations that share our passion for animals, HeARTs Speak is able to provide member artists with the resources and tools they need to prioritize their work in the animal welfare community. Kaye Ness is our third featured recipient of the HeARTs Speak ‘Helping. Artists.’ grant.

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A Day In The Life: Cynthia Barker

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HeARTs Speak member, Cynthia Barker, has an undeniable flair for photographing felines. But rest assured, her talents don’t stop there. In fact, she’s a tireless, portrait-producing force for all of the animals that call her local rescue group, Friendswood Animal Advocates, ‘home’. 

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