Mazie's Mission

Since I was a small child I've loved animals. I don't remember a time when we didn't have a family pet, or two or three. Dogs and cats mostly, and they were well loved and cared for. It always broke my heart to see neglected, abused or abandoned animals. I drove my parents crazy bringing home every stray I came upon, but I couldn't help myself. Like most animal lovers, it was my nature to want to help and make a difference. As a child I sent my allowance to save the wild mustangs, and did what I could for the strays. As an adult I'm hoping I can do more.

I dedicated my book, The Dogs of Central Park, to "those who give so selflessly of their time and efforts on behalf of the millions of helpless animals around the globe." In an effort to support these organizations I'm donating part of the proceeds of my book sales to them. (note that's sales through me directly, as opposed to the other retailers) In addition, I'd like to share some of their stories and promote their events.

My local (Frisco TX) favorite is Mazie's Mission, founded by Dr. Erin Shults. I met Erin through one of their first fund raising events, and I was immediately impressed by the dedication she and her volunteers pour into her vision.

On Dr. Shults;
Our founder and CEO Dr. Erin Shults quit private practice to devote all of her time and expertise to Mazie’s Mission. She graduated from Texas A&M Veterinary School in 1998. She founded Mazie’s Mission in the fall of 2009 with one goal in mind-become a driving force in animal welfare. Dr. Shults believes that every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and live without fear. She is also training in the field of Veterinary Forensics to aid prosecutors and law enforcement in animal neglect, cruelty, and dog fighting cases. She currently lives in Frisco, Texas with 2 cats and 2 dogs.




Dr. Erin Shults

Mazie's Mission video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGLl9DWyarA&feature=player_embedded
More on their mission here http://www.maziesmission.org/

Happy Birthday Jazzy!

How can I not dedicate this post to my lovely, loyal Jazzy girl! This sweet natured rescue has been with us since she was about four months old. She's a bit on the shy side with strangers, but sweet and gentle, and happy for some lovin' once she gets to know someone. When Jazzy's excited (like when her "girl", Elissa, comes home) her whole body wags. She and her sister, Sadie, love to chase squirrels and each other around the back yard. Glad we found you Jazzy! Happy 6th Birthday!



Jazzy, ready to come in from the cold.



With Elissa and Sadie, sitting up very pretty.

Baby Jazzy, soon after we brought her home.

Enjoying the spring weather and oblivious to the mockingbird (top right) who's about to nail her in the backside.

SQUIRREL!!!

Me, in a nutshell??? Ever try closing a WAY overstuffed suitcase? Mmmm hmmm

A few months ago, after numerous inquiries from friends on facebook who didn’t really know me but wanted to know more, I tackled the challenge of condensing who I am into a few paragraphs. It’s not easy to weed through 50 years of life’s experiences, and challenges, and victories and life changing moments to find the right words to express who you are. I know. I’ve had to re-write my bio numerous times over the years. But most of those were more about my professional accomplishments, and not about who I am as a person… and why. The timing must have been right, because that particular day the story was clear and the words came easily. Those who know me well will agree, this is me in a nutshell…


First and foremost, I'm single Mom to a beautiful, spirited, kindhearted, talented, vivacious, amazing 18 year old daughter- Elissa Louise Probasco. She truly is MY dream come true, and first on my list when I count my blessings. Kudos to her Dad, Jeff, for helping me raise her right!


I'm daughter to wonderful parents. Amongst the many things I learned from them were diligence and doing my share. I learned how to keep my “nose to the grindstone”, and work hard for what I believe in. I learned empathy, equality, and fairness, and to stand up for what is right. I learned that none of us is perfect, and never will be. I learned that strength… comes from within.


I'm the only sister to four really, really great brothers. I would not trade a single moment of growing up with you guys! Some of the very best and most carefree days of my life were spent tromping around the woods, skiing down the mountains, hiking up the hills and beaches, and “tearin’ it up” behind the Natique with you! The memories are vivid. They are treasures I carry with me always.


I grew up in one of the most glorious places on earth, the Pacific Northwest. It was there that I developed an insatiable thirst and passion for the great outdoors, and all that is beautiful in this world. It was there also, that I found photography. One class in high school and I was addicted for life! Could it be so simple, that we were all born with a destiny? I am by nature, an artist AND a communicator. My photography is an artistic form of communication. How cool is that??? What a blessing to find my calling so early in life, and the will (tenacity, stubbornness) to “just do it!”


My career has been an amazing ride and has brought me so many blessings I couldn’t begin to list them. My portrait business has given me the opportunity to connect with a huge list of wonderful clients, most of whom I can easily call friends. I am proud and honored to know that my portraits will always be enjoyed and treasured in their homes. Speaking and teaching across the country, and a few other places around the world, has afforded me many amazing yet simple pleasures… seeing places I otherwise would not have seen, meeting and connecting with LOTS of new friends, and sharing something I still, after all these years, have passion for.


Chapter 2 (actually more like 3 or 4, but who’s counting!)
It’s true what they say; nothing is more constant than change. And I’m rolling with it!! Here’s the part a lot of you, even some of you who really do know me, don’t know... As Elissa nears graduation and prepares to spread her wings, I am preparing to do the same. I’m ready for the next adventure in my life. Actually, I’ve been taking steps in this direction for a few years now, but the time is drawing near. Here’s the catch… I’m not exactly sure what that adventure will be, or where it will take me. Yes, there are times when the controlled, vision/goal oriented girl in me feels a little unnerved stepping down the path without a precise destination, but the adventurous, gypsy-free spirit in me is longing for it and has already packed her bags. Those of you who know me, know there is no shortage of passion and drive. No shortage of ideas either, some of them already in the works. Stay tuned! It could be a thrilling ride! :-) One thing is for sure. My camera will not be left behind!

Me, my girl Elissa, and OUR girls Sadie and Jazzy.

We're pretty good at laughing at ourselves around here.

Proud Mom to a daughter who is beautiful, inside and out.

The Dogs of Central Park is off and running... much like the dogs themselves!

It's hard to believe it's been more than three years since the conception of my book, The Dogs of Central Park. After several months of research, seven trips to New York City over the course of nearly two years, and many months of deliberation with my editors at Rizzoli it is finally here! We enjoyed a rousing "soft launch" locally in the Dallas area, with book signings and fund raising events for local no-kill animal rescue organizations. Last week it was off to the Big Apple for our official book launch in Central Park. I was pleased to see at least forty six of my favorite dogs (most of whom are featured in the book) at this event! My dear friend Brandi, who was along on my autumn trips in 2008, went along to enjoy the celebration and managed to capture some lively images of the festivities. Here's just a few...

Remy, my cover dog, looking mighty pleased with herself.

My dogs and some of their peeps... in front is Tootsie (my self appointed wing-dog) and her owner Richard Freitas, Lily and friend, Chipper and Sienna, and Ayla. Back row is Dennis Buonagura of Central Park PAWS with his girls Hazel and Olive(sorry you girls got upstaged!), my agent Linda Langton with her sweet Princess, and me holding one of the most distinguished Dachshund's I've ever met, Ned.

This little superstar is Eli. He's quite the celeb, staring with his "Mom" Karen Biehl in a reality show called Doggie Moms. I did an entire fashion shoot with this little guy in Central Park. Luckily he's not a prima donna and was ok doing clothing changes in the park without a dressing room near by! I'm guessing Eli's wardrobe would put mine to shame!

You all may as well know now that I'm a blog rookie and have seriously resisted it, but give me some time. I'm sure it's only a matter of weeks before I become a blog junkie and you won't be able to shut me up! When this blog was started for me as a class project for a Rizzoli staff member I had no idea what I might share here. I had no idea what dogs would be in the book, nor it's eventual content (which is far different than what I had envisioned). I have hundreds of stories about these dogs and it was my intention to share a brief bit about each dog in my book. Some are funny, some endearing, and some that will tug at year heart. And sadly, there are many wonderful dogs who did not make the book for one reason or another that I'd love to share with you as well. The stories are just the beginning though. I'm about to em"bark" (couldn't help myself with that one!) on a whole new journey, and I have several other books, many about dogs, on my radar! In my next post I'm going to share a bit of my history so you'll know better where I'm coming from and a sneak peek of where I'm heading. In addition to these stories I hope to keep you updated on animal rescue efforts, interesting news, must see video clips, memorials for those who have left us, and who knows... on quiet "dog days" maybe a favorite recipe! Until then...