Kharma's Tails

Hello 2012 and Kharma's top Images of 2011!!

2012-01-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

Kharma is so excited about 2012 and the new adventures this year will bring. He's excited about meeting so new doggy friends and playing with his best dog BFFs. He's even more excited to pee on numerous bushes, smell many doggy butts and never ending car rides.

His fur is still growing in from the attack (back in October), but he has recoved.

In no "order" we're sharing a few of his 2011 Top Photographs.

He so "not" a friend of rain or towel time.

Hanging with Mack at the Park!

Rudolph didn't stand a chance!

Loves to play at the beach with his bud Musashi!

Kharma's always willing to stop for photos with his fans.

He's a favorite with all the children.

Hanging out with neighbors, both canine and human!

A little smile on his face and he can claim any couch!

Kharma wishes everyone a Happy New Year ... Go 2012!

Kharma's got good Karma

2011-10-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

Kharma is doing well after being attacked by another larger dog. After surgery to clean up his wound and medicine to help him recover, Kharma proves what a touch little dog his is. He always walks around proud and sure of himself. I believe the strong confidence helped him survive and now .. is helping him recover.

He doesn't even know he should rest. Already, he's ready play with other little dogs and fence fight with one of his neighborhood pooch pals.

Here's a few current images and videos of Kharma's progress!

10-26-11 Kharma's wound required 30 plus metal staples to close!

Waiting for a follow visit to the Doc, Kharma still feels the need to bark at the cat in the crate!

Kharma must not scratch his wounds, so his Dr. said to wear a t-shirt -- so a Pumpkin it is!

Thanks again to everyone for your love and support. Kharma is wagging his tail in thanks!

Karma saved Kharma, after a dog attack at the park.

2011-10-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who's called, emailed and responded (via Facebook and Twitter) about Kharma's condition. He's recovering from an attack by another dog at Buddy Todd Park in Oceanside, CA on 10/25/11.

The dog "Lila" was given real turkey as a treat; and then Lila turned and attacked Kharma. Crabbed him by the neck. I crabbed the other dog's collar and made her drop Kharma. We immediate went to Pacific Animal Hospital and was seen immediately. Dr. Burnell perform surgery to clean out his wounds and stitch him up. The stitches are about 4-5 inches across his next. Dr. Burnell says he is very, very lucky. He has two drainage tube sticking out (they come out Friday) and goes back in two weeks to removed his staples.

Kharma's feeling a little better today. He's got lots of pain meds, is enjoying being hand fed (he ate... yeah) and went outside for a short walk to do both of his doggy "businesses". He even wanted to bark at the dogs living next door.

His prognosis is for a good recovery. Several of people have offered financial support for his medical bills ($1100). That is greatly appreciated. If you wish to donate, you can by clicking below of the PayPal logo.

Pin-Up Pups ... Your 2012 Calendar is here!

2011-10-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

After saying "sit, stay ... lie down" ... all the photographs are complete and the Last Paw Standing 2012 Calendar "Pin Up Pups" is now available.

In the digital age, it nice to something tangible to write all your appointments and ... and to have all these incredible pups looking at you. Check out each of the amazing dogs who made this years calendar. For the "doggy parents", you can order each photo separately too!

Only $19.99
(plus sales tax and shipping)

Order Today!

Calendar in Progress

2011-09-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

For more than a month, I've been photographing dogs for the 2012 Last Paw Standing Calender. It is fun, but large project. My dog, Kharma, knows all of these dogs. He walks with many of them at Buddy Todd Park in Oceanside, CA.

I'm about 1/2 through post production, but I wanted to share a few of the dogs who will be in the calendar. The calendar will be on-sale for $19.99 (plus sales tax & shipping) by November 1st. (if not sooner) ... Take a look at a few of the dog who will be in the calendar.

Say hi to a few of this year's pin-ups pups:

Penny, Missy, Lola, Zoe, Peanut, Daisy and Tinkerbelle.

Daisy loves to sit and roll on the grass.

Her tail will not stop wagging. A happy dog!

Lola is the queen of chasing her tennis ball.

She is non-stop movement. Her new adopted sister, Zoe,

is just learning about the ball,

but loves all the attention she can get.

Mama Caroline is very proud of both of the canine kids.

Missy loves to jump after her rope.

With rope in mind, her attention is totally focused.

Penny has crazy blue eyes! Very beautiful and

she uses them to get everyone's attention.

Little Tinkerbelle is a fixture at Buddy Todd Park!

She is always excited to see

Kharma (her unofficial boyfriend) as well as

getting tummy rubs and treats.

Peanut loves to run around and stand

on the table. She is one of Kharma's biggest

marketing promoter. Go Peanut!!

Kharma's day at Dog Days of Summer

2011-08-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

On August 13, 2011, Kharma and I headed to Cardiff, CA to enjoy the annual Dog Days of Summer event. Kharma received so many treats that he "almost" didn't eat dinner. Almost ... but he's never really missed a meal.

Doing Street Photography was a great way capture the event. Kharma loves sharing what his doggy friends are doing in the community.

Now ... who's dressed up like their dog. We were at the beach, but you would think we were in snow country.

This dog had awesome eyes and was a complete ham. He's the doggy Zoolander!

This little guy hurt himself when jumping of the bed. But that didn't stop him from attending.

Kharma just had to be the first and last photo on his page. To check out more from Kharma, check him out on www.facebook.com/LastPawStanding.

A Day at the Beach

2011-07-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Kharma and his doggy BFF Mushasi, had an awesome time walking and peeing at the beach today. This little fluffy dog, who's usually marketing for my photography business as CEO (Canine Executive Officer) decided we should have a day off.

He's been doing such a good time and I've been so busy, that we are way behind in our "blogging". Don't worry ... we'll get back to writing very soon. In the mean time, enjoy a few of today's pix.

So get Good Kharma and take a day off to walk ... with your friends and enjoy the beach life!

Food Coma

2011-01-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

Kharma had a great day today. Morning walk and then we headed to the farmer's market to meet up with some friends. Kharma received lots of pets and massage, more walking and "conned" some "people" food from us.

After cruising the market, we headed to Carmine's Pizza. The pizza here was beyond fantastic. I had one slice of the "Ham and Cheese" pizza. The mustard dressing was very refreshing and added a little wine and spicy element to the pizza.

Kharma enjoyed a few pieces of four corners pizza and even tried to steal a piece of the four cheese pizza.

We came home and Kharma was so tired. He just walked into home, dropped his fluffy butt down on the floor and started to snore. All he could do was wag his tail. No moving, baring an eye movement ... only a wag or too. All in all ... this was a great afternoon and enjoyed spending time visiting with friends.

Kharma's New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

What's a dog to do? Think about ways to get more attention. Here's Kharma's goals for 2011!

Do not stick head into holes smaller than head (see exhibit A)
Live in the moment.
Eat more good food.
Whine less, bark more.
Take up Doga.
Reduce ingestion of cat poop to once weekly.
Devote more time to quality napping.
Open a savings account in which to deposit valuable collection of extracted squeakers.
Find a soulmate on Petfinder.
Schedule more “me” time.
Contact my birthparents.
Learn new tricks.
Achieve advanced degree in counter surfing.
Stop wearing emotions on tail.
Be more selective in crotch sniffing endeavors.
Remodel the doghouse.
Have friends over more often.
Eliminate all dog nail trimming devices from the face of the earth.
Find out where trash man is taking (stealing) all our trash.
Even the score with neighborhood skunks.
Spend more time on couch vs. floor.
Run after the ball only after it’s actually been thrown.
Re-organize the toy bin.
Send more happy vibes into the universe.
Eat more good books.

Courtesy of Animal Planet

New Year's Resolutions

2010-12-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

I don't often make New Year’s resolutions, but as I was giving Kharma his medicine and getting ready for a walk, I started thinking about next year and what 2011 would bring us “pet parents”.

2010 has been a challenge, but Kharma has always been there with his smiling face, wagging tail and his never-ending need to wake me up at 6:30 am ... every day.

Before I go into our New Year's Resolutions, this a little about what's been going on with his health. Kharma recently had some back issues. Right after Thanksgiving, he had trouble climbing into the car. After 24 hrs. of monitoring him, I took him to his vet. After an exam and an x-ray, it was discovered that part of the his spinal discs are moving slightly into his spinal cord. He's on bed rest with little walking and movement. This has been challenging, because his medicine (to make the pain go away) is working so good, that he wants to play a lot. We'll be going back to the vet shortly to follow-up and I'll let you know how it goes. So far, he's doing good.

So, here’s a few that I thought every pet owner should know ...

Exercise - Walk your dog(s) daily or get a great dog walker. PetLover’s Magazine is a great resource. Even with his back injury, is limited right now, but will be back walking a lot ... soon. Walking is great for dog and their owners. Get your cats moving too. They love to play in boxes and love chasing laser lights. Set a schedule and mark it on your calendar. There’s still time to order a “Last Paw Standing” 2011 calendar.

Health Checkups - Get regular health check ups. Annual exams of teeth, heart/lungs and overall body condition cost then waiting for a problem to develop. Plus, if your pet starts acting very different from their normal routine, that is a sign to watch them closely and if their behavior doesn't recent to normal soon, take them in for a check-up.

Good Nutrition - Know what’s in your pet’s diet. Read the labels on your pet's food. "Real" food should be the first 5 ingredients. If you can't pronounce it ... maybe you should investigate what's in their food. Pets who eat poor quality food just don't have the health reserves than those that a good balanced diet.

Good Grooming - No one wants to be around a stinky pet. Regular grooming -- bathing, toe nail clips, brushing out coat, parasite control -- not only make the pet more pleasing to be around, it is much healthier for the pet!   

Safety - Keeping pets safe is something most pet owners take for granted. Look at the cleaners in your household. Make sure they’re away from kids (and of course, all children in your household). Use green products whenever you can. Make sure your pets can’t access these items. Think too about enclosures for pets? Are they secure? "Put Household Waste in its Place", created by the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation.

Have fun - With all the stress of the holidays from shopping, traffic, house guests, etc ... your pets can feel overwhelmed too. Play with them. That will help relieve your stress as well as your pets.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year.
Kharma and I are looking forward to a wonderful 2011!

Thanksgiving Day Dog Treats

2010-11-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

Kharma’s Cheesy-Carrot Muffins

Thanksgiving. A time to spend with family and friends, both human and pets. This is also a time for food. My family does a pot-luck meal and rotate locations. That helps a lot ... because the host (for that year) doesn't have to spend hours (or days) cooking and have more time enjoying the day.

Kharma enjoys spending Thanksgiving with the family too. He loves the extra people showering him with doggy massages, playing with toys and, of course, he looks for any food dropped from the table. As most pet owners know, not all “people” food isn’t good for dogs.

This Thanksgiving, I'm bringing dessert for us humans, and healthy dog-treats for Kharma, his famous Cheesy-Carrot Muffins. They're healthy and don’t contain processed items. I spoke to Kharma's Vet and got the “A-okay” for the ingredients. There is wheat flour in the muffins, I recommend and encourage anyone who plans to use this recipe speak with your vet to ensure all the ingredients won't cause any food allergies for your dog.

Kharma enjoys the muffins much more than regular dog biscuits. Yes, he’ll still eat any normal biscuit that flies by his nose, but his eyes light up more and he sits at attention faster for his Cheesy-Carrot Muffins.

Not be a foodie, the complete instructions are on the recipe. Here's my “non” baker explanation. First, I get out all of the ingredients and place them on the counter. That helps me with the work flow. Remember to preheat the oven to 350 degrees. I forgot that once and it added about 15 minutes of “oh well ... bummer time”.

In bowl one, mix all the dry ingredients together first. In bowl two, mix the wet ingredients together. Then poor wet items into dry bowl. Mix everything together. The end batter/mixture should be semi-firm. It doughy and the muffin may be hard. So loose and it may not rise. This sounds like the Three Little Bears, sorry, digressing.

I use a round scoop to ensure the same size muffin. Bake in mini-muffin pans. Fill up each cut-out 1/2 way, this allows room for the muffins to rise. This is important. As I learned, when the “giant” muffins took over.

Having made these muffins before and receiving many compliments from friends and fellow dog owners. People ask me for the recipe, so I’ve posted the complete recipe on my website. But I’m using it as a fundraiser for Spay Neuter Action Project (SNAP), which provides low-cost alternations in San Diego County by asking for donations if you like Kharma’s muffins.

Get Kharma's Cheesy-Carrot Muffins recipe and help prevent pet overpopultation at the same time.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
- Rita and Kharma

Looking back at Kharma's start in my Life

2010-10-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

October 20, 2007 ... Fires broke out in San Diego County. Growing up in SoCal, I was used to the fall fire. Each October, black and white puffs of smoke in the sky. This day was no different. The following morning the sky darken and the sun couldn't be seen through the haze. The news told everyone to stay home. However, I was working at an Animal Center, located in the middle of the fire zone. I knew that if they had to evacuate, I needed to be at work. I was the Manager of Volunteers and would be needed to organize them.

Arriving at work, we were all worried. More than 350 animals lived at the Center. There were also horses in the Equine Hospital and the Therapeutic Riding program, birds and rabbits in the education animals and the dogs and cats being boarded for their owners. At 10:00 am, the Fire Dept. ordered the evacuation. I was one of several people who got ALL 350 animal rescued in 2-hours.

There were 70 plus adoptable dogs needed to be fostered during that time. I spent the entire day calling volunteers and helping to place the dogs in temporary care. I told the manager I could foster a dog also. They were staying at a local retail store.

I arrived and picked up a crate. Staring at me through the gate was a little nose and two sparkling eyes. I brought this dog home, with the assumption that he would be returned to be adopted by someone else.

The Animal Center was closed for 3 days. During that time, this little dog made me go for several walk and he enjoyed "cuddling". On the second day, I spoke with a fellow employee and said I was "thinking" about adopting him. Screams were on the other side of the phone. He still didn't have a name yet. I was sitting on my bed (and of course, he joined me) looking at several websites on name. Baby names, pet names, food names ... etc.

I was looking at Indian names when I said the work "Karma". This little dog jumped up and looked at my computer and wagged his tail. Taking this as a sign that he liked his name, he officially was named "Kharma". I added the "h" to make his name stand out a little more special, not that he needed more attention. At that time, I wasn't even looking at bring a dog into my life. I knew someday I would (when the time was right). Apparently, the time was right for Kharma to come into my life.

The next day, we went to get his bed (which he loves) and dog food and treats. He seems to have know from that first night, that he walked into his new home. Now he spends a lot of his time, waking me up at 6:30 am .. EVERY morning, walking in the park and being the Canine Executive Officer (CEO) of my photography business. There's been a lot of challenges with a new business, with the economy and life stuff.

I often wondered what this little dog's life was like before coming into mine, but it doesn't really matter. But when you've got good Kharma, everything is good. He's Kharma and he's got good karma!

Final note: These are some of the first pictures I took of Kharma. Also, all the animals evacuated 3 years ago were okay, no one was hurt and they were able to return to the Center within a week.

Blessing of the Animals

2010-10-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Living with my human, Rita Spiegel, who is Jewish and studying Buddhism, I wasn't sure what the Blessing of the Animals event really is. It is a part of the Catholic Religion and is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures.

I also wasn't able to attend with Rita. Although she brings me to many events, when she is working, she doesn't have to play with me, so I hung out at home, enjoying a little "alone" time.

Rita, along with Anastasia Lang of Relaxing Rex Canine Massage, were hired by Vintage Religion, a store in North Park (a community in San Diego) to photograph the event. Rita was the photographer and Anastasia was the computer Guru who produced the 5x7 prints.

The dogs had a great time, but a little confused by the Holy Water when it came at their nose. Several of the dogs decided it lick the Holy Water stick offered to them by Fr. Michael Mangoian.

Most of the animals who came to be blessed were dogs, but a few cats dared to come. Actually, these were some of the calmest cats I've seen.

Everyone who came in really loved and cared for their animals. Several of them came to the event last year and were remembered by the Fr. and the store employees.

It looks like Rita maybe working at future events at this location.

From 100 degress to heavy rain

2010-10-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

Wow ... it has been a crazy week here in Oceanside, CA. Last Monday, we had a Santa Ana and the temperature rose to 100 degrees. That is very unusable for the coast, where our temperatures stays mostly in the mid 70s. Then the high humidity hit us and yesterday, we had heavy rain and thunder and lightning. Kharma didn't let the rain stop his daily walks.

We headed out for our morning walk and the clouds were stunning. Of course, I was one seeing the beauty in them ... Kharma just looked for his regular "pee" locations and looked for his doggy buddies to play with.

We ended the day with an evening walk at the Oceanside Pier. As with most "ocean" people, the rain and clouds didn't stop us from adventuring outside. I just had to keep my camera dry and of course ... make sure Kharma put on his rain attire.

Kharma has even gotten started a page on Facebook called

Last Paw Standing. We invite you to join him in his ongoing doggy adventures and photo sessions.

I'd love to hear about your dog and what activities you do together. More adventures to come.

I want to Surf Too!

2010-09-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

My human, Rita photographed several dogs surfing at Del Mar, CA (Sept. 12). My questions ... why was I not allowed to come and join the fun. I have doggy issues with this and I'll need to chat with her about it.

But ... she did take some incredible photos. Maybe next year, she'll let me join in the fun. To learn more about dogs surfing, check out A Dog's Guide to Surfing.

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Long Walk ... Good Nap

2010-04-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

My human, Rita, decided to jog today. Why? No idea. I liked it for a while, but I wasn't able to visit my favorite trees.

She jogged and I ran ... my little tiny legs took over. I really did like it, but I didn't let on.

So now, it is time for a nap -- across Rita's bed.

Tomorrow, I'm attending an Art Walk in Oceanside, CA and the following week, Rita is taking me to Little Italy in San Diego for another art adventure. I like these outdoor events. Dogs, like me can attend and everyone comments on how gorgeous I am. Tons of butt massages ... life is good!

Rita was given a book on Pomeranians ... of which I am one. There are some interesting facts and I seem to have some of the behaviors, not all. I do like the photographs that Rita takes of me. Sorry other dog ... I am the cutest dog on the planet :) woof, woof ... bark, woof!

Search Amazon.com for pomeranian

Yeah!! I'm now walking off-leash!

2010-02-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've gotten Rita to "type" in my doggy comments. My human, Rita has been working on promoting her dog photography workshops. We need the money. Since her day job ended, she works hard on getting business. She teases me to get a job ... and I am always available to be a doggy model.

Anyway ... As a good dog, I have been working on "off-leash" walking. She was very concerned about starting it ... because I was turned into the County Animal Control as a stray. I used to "take off", but now I listen to Rita and pay attention.

We've had great walks. Although, I love to chase big dogs and cats ... so Rita always has an eye out for them. Today we saw a few of my small dog friends and I was able to walk (off-leash) and run!!

Well ... more soon - Kharma

Kharma gets a job - Marketing Manager

2010-01-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

For dog owners, their pooch is a member of the family; so of course, they need to be part of the family portrait. This workshop gives you tools to create your own individual and special picture of your dog. My workshops are geared for anyone who enjoys taking pictures of their dogs (and family pets) … and you also learn essential photographic skills enabling them to capture their favorite images.

You don’t need to be a photographer. Whether you use your camera phone, a point and shoot, or a SLR; you've learn on how to pose your pet, various “points of view” to take the picture, backgrounds, formal and informal positions, props, costumes and when/how to use treats.

We'll review lighting, composition, the rule of thirds / and depth of field and F-stops. These are important basics of photography. We will cover when to use "the rules" and when to break them for better photographs.

Class Agenda * Photography basics. * How to make your dog comfortable with the photographic process. * Photo shoot with your dog

Workshop Registration - Click here!!

Kharma - working on at art sales!

2009-12-17T22:19:00.000-08:00

Today was the last Thursday before Christmas for me to help sell Rita's photographs. As you can see from the alley, we had a nice set up. But, sadly there were not a lot of people coming by. Also, there were several tents in from of us.

As Canine Executive Officer, I tried hard to get people to come over. Of course, they all mentioned how "cute" I was ... no kidding. At least 10 people mention this every time Rita takes me for a walk. I even placed myself in front of Joey's cow. He owns JC Gallery and Studio. They are great and allow Rita and me to sell art outside their gallery. I always get lots of attention and biscuits when I visit the gallery.

Before closing up for the day, I took a break and did some doga (dog yoga) on the tree carpet. Great for a long day.

When I got home, I let relaxed by way tug-of-war with a new toy and then headed off to sleep.

To help support us, visit "Donate for Good Kharma" to help get more kibble for me.

More sleep, oops, I mean work for tomorrow ... it's a hard life for a fluffy dog!

Cat, kitten or critter to chase???

2009-12-12T23:56:00.000-08:00

This is my feline cousin "Wendell". He was found on Imperial Highway in LA (Last May). I haven't seen him since he was little, because everyone thinks I'll chase him. We'll, I gave they are correct. I would.

Everyone was laughing about how little his paws were, but they still had a few sharp claws. My mom came home with a few scratches. Cats are so funny, no wonder they enjoy the chase.

Too much rain ... Eat a reindeer!

2009-12-12T23:43:00.000-08:00

Wow ... what a day. I was lucky to get to walk this morning but I didn't have the opportunity to market the photo business today. The rain was crazy. I've heard it was raining "cats and dogs", but I didn't see any kitties ... or I would have chased them (and the rain) away. Now I know that Oceanside (and San Diego) needs the rain. It makes the grass lice for me run on, but from what I saw on the streets ... those humans don't know how to control their large carts. So ... I just hung out inside for most of the day and took all the stuffing out of my reindeer.

Joined the Small Dogs Rule Club at Muttropolis

2009-12-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

After a long mornings walk at the harbor, I can home and watched Rita read her email and then she found me another dog group to network with ... woof, bark, bark woof. So we (or me) joined the online small dog rule club. Visit http://community.muttropolis.com/group/smalldogsrule to check it out.

It wasn't raining, but I still needed "towel time". Sadly my paws were very wet and needed to be dried before I jumped on the sofa.

Rain or No Rain

2009-12-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we were looking at doing more marketing of my (or Rita's?) pet photography business, but the rain kept us inside most of the day. Just before the day ended, we were able to get outside. It was so windy that we didn't do a lot of business, just enjoyed the time out. As a four-legged executive, I spend as much time as Rita does on trying to make an income. We've learned it is hard.

Rita was worried about me getting wet if the rain started again. I tried to tell Rita that I didn't need my raincoat, but she wouldn't listen. I'm embarrassed to show it, but again, everyone said I was so cute.

All in all it was a nice walk the the sun decided to make an appearance for an awesome sunset.

Rain ... no walk or handing out my biscuit cards

2009-12-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

Wow ... the weather people were correct. It's been raining all day. I went for a quick walk this morning and I was the only dog out there. As you can see, I was soaked. Usually, I help pass out my "biscuit" cards, but today ... I'm sleeping and hoping to get a walk before it gets dark. I just supervised the marketing adventures today.

Laguna Beach Afternoon

2009-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I took a short road trip to Laguna Beach! I road in the car while Rita drove ... I alway enjoy seeing checking out new park, rocks and of course, photo locations. We went to a few galleries and of course, I received many doggy massages, while Rita gave out our business cards and biscuits.

I also found a good hydrant too ... as you can see I am standing guard.

After a long day in the car, I also enjoyed time playing at the dog park. Good thing because it is suppose to rain tomorrow and my doggy paws will be stuck inside.

To see more images of me and my other friends, check out my human's website.

A Long Day ... A Good Nights Sleep!

2009-12-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

After a long day, walking at the park, visiting my friends at JC Pop Gallery and the Sunset Market, I've dog tire. Sorry about the pun. Also ... I've left my humane's photos on my blog, as she needs to type as I dictate my blog.