Lethbridge Weddings & Portrait Photography by Tanya Plonka

This year I was asked to photograph Lula and Jarvis for the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) annual fundraiser calendar and much to our surprise, Lula made the cover of the calendar! Lula is the perfect poster child/puppy for a rescue success case, going from being found with a leash lacerated into her neck, to being the happiest dog with her forever family. Her fur brother Jarvis came from a similar background, making them such a perfect match to be together. Jarvis was honoured with his own special appearance in the calendar too, and this pair had fun getting lots of treats at their photoshoot.

Calendars can still be purchased through AARCS, so get one while you can for this great cause! Rescues are really struggling this year so any help makes a huge difference.

Learn a little more about Jarvis and Lula’s stories here.

This year I decided to highlight all of the 2020 Lethbridge PAW Society calendar cats in one big post, rather than a bunch of smaller blogs that I tend to forget to share on social media! Lots of kitties ahead!

This year’s calendar had a sports theme so I focused on getting action shots of any cats who had the energy and a favourite toy. We had some hilarious results! Whether thanks to a piece of string or a good hit of catnip, some of these cats went wild for their playtime!

All kitties are adoption success stories from the Lethbridge PAW Society and were photographed in their loving forever homes.

What’s better than one adoptable puppy? Two, of course! Bean and Belle are a doggy brother and sister duo who took a fun trip with their foster mom to Henderson Lake for their adoption photos. The two most enjoyed munching on leaves, especially Belle who was hard to catch without a mouthful! (Bean, on the other hand, was more into pine cones once he discovered those.)

Belle stood out the most for her sweet, soulful eyes, while Bean’s spunky personality and giant paws gave a glimpse into the energetic big boy he’s going to become.

Bean and Belle were photographed for the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS), but were no longer listed only a few weeks after I met them. They must be bringing so much joy to their new families!

What is better than soft puppy fuzz? Collins is one of the fuzziest puppies I have ever met! He helped me get the most adorable outdoor puppy photos at Henderson Lake.

Collins may be excited to eventually get a forever home, but in the meantime he is having a blast learning how to live with a family and other dogs. His foster dog family played with him all morning before his adoption photos, and he still had lots of energy left!

When he wasn’t frantically trying to scratch his collar (he doesn’t have much leash training yet so that was a yucky feeling!), he was busy climbing onto my lap for snuggles. Even if I was squatting, he found his way up! It took a bit of clever timing and a picnic bench obstacle to pull off these adorable photos.

This puppy has the kindest temperament and is such a gentle soul. He’s inquisitive and brave and will grow up into an amazing companion!

Collins is available through the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS). I’m sure he won’t be available for long! (I think he may already be adopted!)

Melon is doing a great job learning how to be a good dog and got to practice her leash skills during her Lethbridge summertime pet photography session at Henderson Lake. She instantly wanted to cover me in kisses and rolled over, insisting I pet her belly. We had to take many belly petting breaks during the session to keep her happy! Despite her young age, she’s so chill and will be a great fit in any home that takes her.

Melon is available through the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS).

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What a sweetheart! Millie was found left behind when her family moved and didn’t bring her with them. Taken in by AARCS, this sweet cattle dog was soon sent to her foster home in Lethbridge. Within a week, Millie’s confidence sky rocketed! She quickly learned (or re-learned) how to walk on a leash and became a sucker for love and attention. She was so easy to photograph with her laid-back personality. She’d sit anywhere for a treat and stay there until she decided she needed snuggles again. She is such a well-behaved dog that we did these photos at the Dragon Boat Festival and it was no big deal to her! With her adorable spotted coat and attentive pointed ears, I don’t think she’ll be looking for a forever home for long.

Millie is available through the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS).

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