THE CHICKEN AND THE ROAD TRIP
I've been absent from blogging lately. With just a little over two weeks to go before the road trip begins, I'm busy. You know the expression, "Running around like a chicken with its head cut off." Well, I'm the chicken in that scenario. However, I haven't only lost my head... my feet and wings seem to be missing, too. That's a rather gory way to start this post, especially from a vegetarian. I'm just trying to express that I have lots to do before I leave! (...buying maps, emailing newspapers, sending out press releases, talking with pet boutiques, buying backdrops...) I have lists on top of lists! Hopefully, I'll remember my passport, since I am going to Canada, and I'll have internet access wherever I go. If those are my two biggest concerns then I think we're all going to be OK.
More great news, my boyfriend has graciously volunteered his Tacoma for this expedition, and so, my car hunt has at last come to a screeching halt (I'm happy to say since there is nothing I hate more than buying a car!). More importantly, he has graciously volunteered his time to help me with all that I need help with, and for that I am so grateful that I am in fact kowtowing at this very moment. In return I have agreed to let him mountain bike whenever he feels the need during the trip. Hey, he can bike alongside the Tacoma, for all I care. Just happy he is coming along for the ride.
ALYA
Unfortunately, Alya, the beautiful and deaf white pit bull in the photo, is still in need of a forever home. Please help spread the word. Let's get this girl adopted!
FIRST STOP - FLORIDA
I have decided to head straight to Florida for a little sunshine. So first stop on the trip will be a pet photography day at PAWS Pet Boutique in Tallahassee on February 21. And speaking of pet photography days...
UPCOMING PET PHOTOGRAPHY DAYS
There are lots of pet photography days coming up, I'm happy to say! These are particularly welcome because not only are they raising money for animal rescue, but they are helping to fund my road trip and the first printing of these books. I would really enjoy meeting everyone and their dogs. So if you live in the area, then come by, or if you don't know, but know someone who does (live in the area, that is), then please spread the word.
Feb 7: Reading, PA
Valentine's Day Pet Photos benefiting animal rescue Second Time Around Rescue. Email or call 610-914-4933 for information.
Feb 14: Philadelphia, PA
Dog Kissing Booth Photos
at the PSPCA. Email or call 267-968-9973 for information. Not sure where to put the hyphen in that title...dog-kissing booth photos, dog kissing-booth photos. There will be dogs and lots of kissing. That's all I know!
Feb 21: Tallahassee, FL
Pet Photography Day at PAWS Pet Boutique benefiting a local animal rescue's Paws in Prison program. Email or call 850-222-PAWS for information. Come support us on the first stop of the tour!
I'm really looking forward to helping different shelters in the areas I'm visiting. If you own a pet business or belong to a rescue group that is looking for a little fundraising assistance, then drop me a line.
WEBSITE UPDATES
Lots of exciting new changes are taking place on my websites in the next few weeks. Look for Melissa McDaniel Photography to get a much needed overhaul. Also, the Photo Book website and my photography website will be getting their own stores. In the meantime, I have created at Etsy shop for dog prints and posters, as well as a SmugMug site, where I will be uploading the latest dog photo book prints. Stickers and other doggy gift items are also available. Sales from all will help fund the initial printing of the photo books.
SOME PR HELP
More great news is that an article of mine may be appearing in a national dog magazine later on this month. I'm extremely excited about this, but can't share until everything has been finalized. More on that later.
PRE-ORDERING
I've saved the best for last. Many of you have been asking when you can preorder the books and exactly how many copies will be available. For the first printing, because of costs, I will only be able to print a limited number. Because of that, I would like to offer everyone a chance to pre-order. I will be offering a limited-time deep discount on the books, so stay tuned. More information on pre-ordering and printing numbers in the next few weeks.
NO CHICKENS WERE HARMED IN THE WRITING OF THIS POST
That's all for now. Off to look at maps and arrange more photo sessions.
As always, thanks so much to everyone who has jumped on board and offered their assistance. I couldn't do this without your help. Again, I'm forever grateful, and of course, kowtowing for you at the moment, too. Thank you!




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