Second Annual Pet 'Pin-Up' Fundraiser Taking Place

Edina pet owners interested in getting professional photos of their four-legged friends can do so for a special cause this month, thanks to Tangerine House of Design.

Photographer Lisa Asp, owner of Tangerine House of Design, is in the second year of her pet-centric fundraiser. Locals can bring their animals in for a photo session the entire month of April, with session fees waived in lieu of donations to five metro area rescue organizations, including Homeward Bound Rescue, Secondhand Hounds, No Dog Left Behind, Windmill Animal Rescue and Twin Cities Animal Rescue.

Although the sessions are largely focused on pets, family members are also welcome to be photographed alongside them. The photos will eventually be compiled into a pet portrait calendar, with all fundraiser participants entered into a contest to select the calendar cover pet. The top vote-getter will be awarded the cover spot, with the next twelve highest appearing inside.

"I'm a huge animal lover so this fundraiser is an easy way for me to help," Asp said. "It creates a win-win-win: the rescue organizations are able to raise some much needed funds, the supporters get beautiful portraits of their beloved pets and I get introduced to new clients I may not have otherwise met. It works on all levels."

Asp has been doing the fundraiser for seven years now—six of them back in Connecticut—raising thousands of dollars for rescue organizations in the process. The 2012 iteration raised nearly $5,000 for Homeward Bound Rescue.

The first 30 customers to bring their pets in for a Pin-Up Pets session will also receive a bag filled with merchandise from area pet businesses, including frisbees, balls, leashes, treats, a copy of last year's calendar, pens, coupons and special offers.

Additional information is available at Tangerine House of Design's website. Appointments can be made either online or by calling 952-303-3619.

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