Dogs, Cat Sit for Photo Shoots at Mr. Guy's for Women in Ladue

Casey, a 5-year-old golden retriever, was having a great morning away from his backyard. He was posing for photographs at the

This was part of a special promotion for the Animal Protective Association (APA) of St. Louis.

To make a long story short, store owner Carla Felumb had gone next door to order luch at and bumped into new photographer Don Hawkins of Crestwood.

Both enjoy pets, and both like to help charities. Quickly, arrangements were in the works. For Friday and Saturday, Hawkins booked 16 one-hour dog photo sessions with the (pardon the pun) lion’s share of the fees going to the APA.

Everyone was barking up the right tree.

Hawkins charged $100 for the shoot, with $50 of that fee given to the APA and with the customer receiving a $45 gift card toward the purchase of photos, albums, etc.

Felumb, who, along with her husband Terry, has owned the store for 32 years said they believe in supporting local charities and have held events to to support a variety of causes, including:

• Kids with Cancer

• Missouri Wildlife Education Program

• St. Louis Children’s Hospital

• The Albert Pujols Foundation

On Friday, Ann Kinsella of Ladue and Doug Winship, manager of the Mr. Guy’s for Men’s Store, were the first customers through the door. Winship had his little Yorkshire Terrier Rudy pose for the first set of photos. Rudy really put Hawkins through his paces, chasing the dimutive pooch all over the place.

“I hope the next dog is a little less active,” he told Robin Wood, special events coordinator of the pet shelter at 1705 S. Hanley Rd. in Brentwood.

“We are very happy to be recipients of this promotion. Our job is putting people together with pets,” said Woods, who has a full range of dogs, cats and other animals available for adoption, six days a week.

Hawkins is busy building up his photographic business. He shoots a wide variety of events ranging from high school graduation photos to weddings, reunions, family groupings, etc.

Although all slots were filled up the two days, Hawkins is available to do in home shootings anytime in the future.

Don Hawkins can be reached at 314-288-7128, or go to his website.

The APA, which has been serving St. Louis since 1922, welcomes donations by mailing checks/or dropping off cash at the location in Brentwood, phone 314-645-4610, or go to their website.

The APA is open six days a week, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.