Through their Eyes — A Photo Contest Celebrating Life
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If only we could show our enjoyment for life as our furry friends do. They cannot wait for our eyes to open each morning so that they can get us moving and simply breathing in the wonderful fact that there is a new day greeting us. They easily bring smiles to our faces when they immerse and become one with the beauty of our changing seasons, as seen in the photo below of Sam blanketed in leaves.

So, come show off your best photos that, surely better than words, capture our canines' wondrous celebration of life. Whether jumping for joy, cuddling a favorite toy or enjoying a peaceful gaze along the ocean side, the expressions on our beloved companions' faces reveal the most genuine emotions in the world. Any and all breeds of dogs can participate in this fun contest. Please note that given the huge $900 prize package, the contest will be open until we have 75 entrants (not entries). As of December 21, 2007, we have 83 photos submitted by 39 different entrants.
 


"Sam with Leaves" by Geoff Hendrickson

 

Check out our truly fabulous $900 prize package!

A Calendar (and possibly photo book) will be created to
     showcase our many winning entries.

A Flash slideshow will be created for our winning and
     honorable mention photos.

An extra bonus is that all our heartfelt entries always have
     a home here at the Land of PureGold.

Click below to enjoy our GReat entries as they come in!
     Entries I     Entries II     Entries III

MAIN REQUIREMENT: CANINE 'EMOTING'


Funny 3-year-old Triad GRR River loves to slide downhill headfirst thru leaves

Your entries MUST capture dogs showing an emotion, related to and influenced by another aspect clearly evident in the photograph. S/he could be influenced by something in nature, an object, another person, another dog, etc.

For additional contest guidance, here are some general suggested emotions that could be conveyed through your submitted photograph entries:

Acceptance Courage Kindness
Anticipation Delight/Joy Patience
Amusement Desire Peace
Calmness Determination Pride
Closeness/Love Ecstasy Surprise
Comfort Friendship Thrill
Contentment Gratitude Wonder
     
     
     
IMPORTANT INFO: PHOTO RESOLUTION

Although a low-resolution and high-resolution image might look the same on your computer screen, there will be a big difference between the two images when they are actually printed onto media such as a calendar or book. Just because an image looks good on screen does not mean it will look good printed. Images need to have a resolution high enough to look good on paper. This is true because most computer monitors can only display 72 ppi (pixels per inch) while printers can print between 300 to 600 ppi. Since we are looking to print onto a full-size calendar and/or book, photos submitted would need to be 300ppi in a 9" x 11.5" size (i.e., 2700 pixels x 3450 pixels)  or 11.5 x 9" size (i.e., 3450 pixels x 2700 pixels). NOTE: Right mouse clicking on a saved photo file reveals a properties tab and then advanced summary information that details the image's pixel amounts.

Most consumer-grade digital cameras do not take pictures at a high enough resolution suitable for printing at book quality. If your camera takes a picture with the resolution of 1280 x 960 (1.3 megapixels) it can make a print up to 4 x 6 inches with good resolution, i.e., without noticeable pixels. A 2.1 megapixel camera can produce a good quality image up to 8 x 10 inches. For maximum versatility a 3.3 megapixel camera is desirable.

CONTEST RULES
 1. Submissions must be ones in which you are the photographer. For those under age 18, an adult must submit the entry. Dogs depicted need not be your own. Please obtain permission for publication from those persons depicted in your photos.


SAR Golden Puzzle (on her days off!)

 2. There is no limit to the number of photos that may be entered. However, one entry form MUST be completed for each photo submitted.
 3.

Photos with good focus and definition should be sent in jpg or tiff files. As noted above, only those large enough for print media can be considered for inclusion in our calendar and/or book. We reserve the right to not publish entries that fail to meet these criteria, or are of poor quality.

4. We reserve the right to enhance any images to improve their clarity, impact, or aesthetics. We also reserve the right to utilize any submitted image on the Land of PureGold Foundation site and products. By submitting an entry, the entrant grants the Land of PureGold Foundation the right to use the photo as mentioned above without compensation or permission. The copyright, however, will remain with the photographer, and photo credit will be given.
 5.

The Land of PureGold Foundation reserves the right to modify these rules at any time without providing prior notification. Winners will be notified by email within two weeks of the contest's conclusion, and will be posted online.

 6.

Only photos that satisfy the contests' 'Emoting' parameters and sizing requirements, as noted above, will be accepted. Contest entry information should include a short description of the scene, names and/or ages of those pictured, etc. To submit your entry, click here.



JUDGES' SCORING CRITERIA
 

10 points: Impact/Appeal
How eye-catching and distinctive is this photo? How much does the photo make you smile? Does this photo make a good, strong 'emoting' statement? Does the first glance carry its complete meaning?
10 points: Creativity/Originality
Does the photographer show an artistic eye? Did the photographer use creative techniques to make an interesting effect? Does the photo have an individuality to it that sets it apart from the rest of the entries?
10 points: Technical/Composition
Is the photo in focus or, if blurry, is this done in a clearly intentional artistic way? Is there good placement of the subject matter? Are there harmonious proportions? Does the photo show pleasing colors with clarity and correct exposure?




Fabulous $900 Contest Prize Package

One-of-a-Kind Robert Rickard Studio Beaded Leather Collar and Lead
The Robert Rickard Studio comes from a collaboration among business people and artisans showcasing the wonderful and diverse culture that is Kenya. The goal is to provide people a greater opportunity to share their talent and improve their lives. Their beaded leather product line features true works of art, with no two collars, leads, belts, or horse browbands alike. Hand beaded by the Maasai mamas in Kenya and imported for sale in the USA, each piece is created with individual instinctive techniques and designs. Beautiful beading on sumptuous leather must be seen and touched to be appreciated.

The mamas average the beading for two collars a day. Beads are hand sewn in leather, then an overlay of leather is glued and stitched on the back. Because each product in this line is a unique creation, specific designs cannot be selected, and widths and lengths may vary slightly. Supplies are limited to the number of pieces that the Maasai are able to produce. The video clip below shows the painstaking work that goes into creating one of these incredible collars.
 

Smiling Blue Skies® Jewelry
Smiling Blue Skies® Jewelry celebrates the special bond between precious pets and people!  Very special friend, Foundation Board Member, and talented artist, Suzi Beber, of the Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund, has graciously donated a few pieces from her exciting new line of people and companion animal jewelry. One prize to a lucky winner will consist of a customized Silver pendant on a Sterling Silver chain and accompanying Silver dog tog for his/her beloved companion. A second prize will consist of a customized Silver dog tag.

All "Smiling Blue Skies Jewelry" pieces are one of a kind. Each piece is made just for you, with pure and precious fine silver. And, you can choose one of 10 semi-precious stones to add to your special piece. The stones that can be utilized are: Turquoise, Amber, Amethyst, Lapis, Garnet, Citrine, Malachite, Crystal, Moonstone, and Rose Quartz.

All of these pieces are customized for you, For instance, the dog tag can have your dog's name embossed on the front and phone number or special saying on the back, with choice of semi-precious stone.  And, the winner of the pendant necklace will be able to specify the name or message that s/he would like embossed on the front.


Oliver's Paw Pal: The Next Generation in Nail Grooming
Peter F. Baekkelund, Oliver's Paw Pal inventor, has graciously donated one of his marvelous units for our contest. We have used ours for a few years now and just cannot imagine life without it. Learn how to groom your dog's nails without  all of the Blood, Sweat and Tears! Think about it. A guillotine nail clipper, named after an execution device, is typically sold with styptic powder to stop bleeding. And, the nail grinders that are available for pets are merely rotary power tools—originally designed for industrial applications—not living, feeling beings.

Oprah's groomer loves the Paw Pal. It is easy to use and naturally mimics the action of a dog's walking on rough surfaces to painlessly wear down his or her nails. There is a smooth finish without need for buffing or filing, and nails are shaped just above the quick, with accuracy. There are no more marks on your skin or costly hardwood floors, and you additionally save on grooming costs! Click here to learn more about this incredible product.


Gift Tins filled with 100% Organic Honey Healing Hearts Cookies 
There are absolutely no dog treats available today that can compare to these. Initially developed several years ago for a Golden who was very, very sick with inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatitis, it was a miracle that she lived through her ordeal. These were actually the only treats that she could have. No other dog treat out there has 100% organic and kosher certified ingredients. No treat out there has Active 15+ Manuka Healing Honey. No other treat has been specially formulated to be totally soothing and non allergen-provoking. Not only are our ingredients exemplary, but the companies providing these wonderful items are also beyond reproach.

The ingredients to these heart-shaped wonders are: organic milled whole oat flour, organic apples, organic whole rolled oats, organic oat bran, organic Active 15+ Manuka Healing Honey, organic Saigon cinnamon (5% oil content), and organic ginger. All of our organic whole oat ingredients come from USA based Grain Millers, the world's largest supplier of conventional non-GMO and Certified Organic oats and North America's premier oat milling and specialty whole grain company. And, our organic apples come from the orchards on the shores of the Great Lakes.
 

Mia Lane Art Signed & Numbered Limited Edition Print "What's That?"
Meticulously rendered, carefully researched for accuracy, and infused with imagination, Mia Lane's paintings have brought pleasure to the hearts and homes of animal lovers worldwide. Before starting each painting, she makes numerous sketches and photographs of the animal, carefully studying the way it moves and the distinctive features and markings that characterize the species or breed, especially concentrating on "expression". Finally, she thoroughly researches the habitat to ensure that the animal is portrayed in an appropriate setting.

Today, Mia's work is both highly regarded and widely collected. Her originals can be found all over the world in private homes and art galleries. In 1988, Canada Post commissioned Mia to create four special "Dogs of Canada" postage stamps to commemorate the Canadian Kennel Club's centennial. The stamps were so well received that a special print of one of them was issued - a first for Canada Post. In 1994 she exhibited and sold 17 originals in Japan, where one sold for $25,000.

What's that in the ripple?' This curious Golden must investigate! "The abstract shape of the water puddles, the unusual angle of the dog, the colour, balance and design of the piece, as well as the subject," Mia noted, "were the inspirations for me to paint this scene." This print is part of a Limited Edition printing of only 450, and is signed and numbered. It was the winner of the Best Golden Retriever Painting in Show — Art Show at the Dog Show. The actual image size is 10 inches x 13¼ inches.


Boxed Sets of Fine Linen Art Cards & Fun Stickers
These are oversized 5¼" x 7¼" quality classic ivory linen cards at a hefty 80-pound weight with matching 70-pound linen envelopes. Our lovely art collections of pure Golden whimsy feature original illustrations by the talented artists, Paulina Stuckey-Cassidy, of the Restless Moon Gallery, Anna Moore, and Suzi Beber, founder of the Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund. Paulina's images display an innocence that draws one into her magical brew of whimsy. And Anna Moore's angel is our favorite, joyfully featuring an engaging puppy smile. So unique, these vivid cards can be used for every occasion, in happy times and in sad, for they truly express the joy that only our special Golden souls can convey.

In February 2004, we had the luck to photograph this chubby litter of three 5½-week-old puppies. And, along with their sweet message, we believe they are even that much more irresistible. The actual size for these bright Photo Gloss oval stickers is  4" wide x 1 6/16 high.


Earth Angel T-Shirt
This short sleeved black tee shirt is made from a durable, high-quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton. It is what to wear when you want to go comfortably casual. The design is based on a wooden angel piece that was created by gifted artist, Anna Moore and her talented hubby, Terry. Anna paints like a dream and her husband creates the finest wood items we have ever seen.


Snook's Organic Sweet Potato Chips and Snooks Calming Flowers & Sage
Large to Medium Soup Bone shaped pieces are mixed with Biscuit Size pieces. These chips are made with Organic Sweet Potatoes, Natural Vitamin E and Love. The re-sealable bag contains small and large pieces of Organic Sweet Potato. These chips are good to use for treats, and for dogs that tend to devour dog chews very quickly. And, they help with keeping teeth and gums healthy and clean.

In Snook's Calming Flowers & Sage spray, human Grade Essential Oils of Bergamont, Ylang Ylang, Sage and Lavender are blend with Distilled Water in this product. It smells wonderful! This blend is fine to use with dogs that have sensitive skin. Essential Oil Blends can be sprayed directly on your companion animals or their beds. It will leave your dog smelling great. No perfumes or fragrance oils are used. Deodorizes beds. Provided in an 8-ounce green bottle.


Mr. Ollie Golden Plush Pups
These plush pups from Russ Berrie are 5 inches high and 12 inches long, and are definitely show quality!  They sport a card that tells you about Mr. Ollie, and also how to care for him he plays too hard and gets dirty. They are super soft and unbelievably cuddly . . . as all Golden puppers should be.


Busy Buddy Squirrel Dudes & Chuckles Treat Dispensing Toys
These toys, which are made of natural rubber, are designed to keep your furkids busy and help redirect potentially destructive chewing behavior into positive playtime. The Squirrel Dude contains soft rubber prongs which make it take longer for your dog to remove small dry treats. Its random bounce and treat dispensing makes this a fun toy your dog will play with over and over. As your dog plays, treats (or dry food) randomly fall out.

The Chuckle toy works on the same principle but adds a flare as you can shake it and receive a funky sound that's sure to perk up playtime.

The round opening has inner-facing soft rubber prongs. The prongs move aside to allow for easy stuffing of treats into the toy. No need to use peanut butter or other sticky stuff to hold the treats inside. As the dog plays, dry food/treats will randomly fall through the opening, rewarding the dog and encouraging further play for hours of fun. You can even customize this for your own dog as the soft prongs can be trimmed to allow the treats to come out easier.


RuffDawg K9 Flyer
From RuffDawg, founded in 1998 by dog enthusiasts, enjoy their K9 Flyer. It is just perfect for medium to large size dogs. This 100% superior-grade, rubber retrieving toy is made in the USA. Nontoxic, it is also rugged and bendable, tear and puncture resistant, stretchable, and gentle on the teeth and gums. A great source of exercise, this K9 Flyer is definitely the next generation of flying discs.

 

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