In 2010 the AMDA Foundation was proud to publish its first Caring Canine calendar to highlight the role of pets in enhancing resident quality of life and those canine caregivers who make a difference in the lives of our residents in long term care.

The response to the project was very enthusiastic as over 60 facilities from across the country sent in pictures and heartwarming stories that described the difference their pooch made in the daily lives of residents and staff alike.

• More information about the 2010 Caring Canine calendar can be found here.
• The 2010 Caring Canine calendar entries can be viewed here.
• The 2010 Caring Canine calendar can still be ordered here.

Casting Call for 2nd Annual Caring Canine Calendar

As we prepare for the 2nd Annual Caring Canine calendar we are again asking long term care facilities nationwide to nominate their favorite caring canines for inclusion in the calendar – including dogs that physicians or other practitioners own and take to their facility on a regular basis, resident canines that live at the facility, or residents’ dogs who are popular members of their community. If you have or know of a dog who makes a difference in the lives of long term care facility residents, the Foundation wants to hear from you.

IMPORTANT PHOTO SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Please note that the images you provide us must be taken at an original resolution of at least 2,400 pixels in width AND at least 1,800 pixels in height. Another way of expressing these dimension is the image must be at least 8 inches wide AND at least 6 inches high at 300 DPI (dots per inch).

This minimum size is necessary to produce acceptable printed calendar output when printing the cover page image. Images with a height or width dimension less than those stipulated above will generally not receive consideration as a candidate for first place since the intention is to display the winner on the cover. Likewise, all pictures will be evaluated and selected based on, among other considerations, their usability in terms of size and potential placement within the calendar. Your images should be at least as large as the minimum dimensions to receive maximum consideration for selection. Generally speaking, bigger pictures are better.

All digital cameras operate a little differently and usually have specific methods for setting picture sizes. Please consult your camera’s user guide for more information on how to set the size of your pictures before taking them and submitting them. Please make sure your camera setting accommodates both the minimum width AND minimum height stipulated above.

There are several other ways you can improve your chances of having your images selected for inclusion in the calendar. Don't use a cell phone to take your pictures.  Images should frame the subject at close range and should show the full head of any person or pooch in the image. Backgrounds should be free of clutter and overly contrasting colors and textures. The lighting should be even across the entire image. Pictures that show both extreme brightness and darkness are generally considered poor candidates. Pooches should have their leashes removed if at all possible.

Other tips for good photo submissions include:

• Photos should express the dog’s personality and/or clearly show its role in the facility.
• Focus should be crisp and clear and colors vivid.
• Best possible lighting is achieved outside in natural light; avoid direct sunlight. Don’t use a flash to avoid ‘red-eye.’
• Vary the angle of your shot. For example, photograph the dog at its level as opposed to shooting the subject from above.
• If taking a close-up shot, have the animal’s face fill the frame while still in sharp focus.
• If your dog will not sit still, have someone hold it in position; but try not to get hands or arms in the photo.
• Have a favorite toy or treat handy as incentive to sit still or focus and as a reward after a successful photo session.

The dog can be featured alone or with residents and/or staff. However, the photo should portray clearly why the dog is a treasured team member and/or how the pup makes a difference in the lives of people at the facility.

Facilities and individuals can submit as many photos as they like.

Submitters whose dogs are featured in the calendar will receive a complimentary copy of the calendar. Additionally, they receive great satisfaction. As Daniel Haimowitz, MD, CMD, whose dog Spenser is featured in the premier calendar, says, “I love Spenser. I have the calendar with his picture posted permanently on my wall so I can see him every day. It’s been fun for staff and residents too.” He adds, “It’s a little bittersweet because he is 12, and he’s starting to have some health problems. But it’s nice to know that I will always have this calendar to remember what a great dog he is and what a difference he has made in the lives of so many people.”

The deadline for submission is August 20, 2010.

You must complete the Caring Canine Calendar Nomination and Release Form and send your form and photo(s) to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For questions, call the Foundation at 410-992-3134.