Paws and Protect

Paws & Protect: A Year of Heroes & Hope

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Paws & Protect: A Year of Heroes & Hope

Join us in April for a special month-long portrait event celebrating the heroes who save lives—both human and furry! During this limited-time fundraiser, Tangerine House of Design will be offering studio pet portrait sessions featuring props from various rescue departments.

In lieu of a session fee, we ask you to bring a donation to MACC Pack, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the life-saving work of Minneapolis Animal Care and Control. Every dollar raised helps provide care, medical treatment, and second chances for animals in need.

Your pet’s portrait will be included in our 2026 Paws & Protect Calendar, featuring rescue animals alongside the brave first responders who protect them and us. Together, we can make a difference—one paw, one portrait, and one hero at a time.

📅 Dates: April 1-30, 2025

📍 Location: Tangerine House of Design

💙 Book your session & support rescue pets!

SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION NOW

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How it works

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STEP 1

Session Appointment

Make an appointment for your "Paws and Protect" portrait session online. Sessions will be limited, so be sure to reserve your appointment time now. Your session donation (recommended donation of $75) will be given in full to MACC Pack.

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STEP 2

View & Choose Your Portraits

At the end of your session, we'll schedule a time for you to come back in to view the images, choose the one you want in the calendar, and place an order for any portraits you love.

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STEP 3

Calendar Release Party

Watch for additional information about the calendar release party later this year! This party will include a gallery opening and the first time anyone will have the opportunity to purchase a calendar.

All pets are welcome! You do NOT need to have a rescue to participate. If you have special props that fit the theme (or even some that don't), you're welcome to bring those in. Also, your pet's two-legged counterparts (i.e. YOU) are welcome to be a part of the session as well.

Ready to reserve your "Paws & Protect" session? Click HERE to grab your session time.

Special packages and products will be available for ordering – product information will be mailed to you with your session confirmation.

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Photographer Lisa Asp of Tangerine House of Design believes in giving back

Tangerine House of Design owner and Master Photographer Lisa Asp began a calendar fundraiser with an animal rescue organization in Connecticut while living on the east coast. Her Connecticut studio was able to raise more than $50,000 for charity over the six years the fundraiser took place. When Lisa decided to close her east coast studio and relocate to Minnesota in 2011, she knew this fundraiser had to continue. She found another photographer to continue working with the Connecticut organization and teamed up with Minnesota rescues to continue her philanthropy in the Minneapolis area. In addition to calendars, Lisa created her "Tails of MSP" coffee table book offers "Headshots for Hounds" session. She has raised somewhere in the neighborhood of $200,000 for rescues over the years.

Lisa Asp has been a professional photographer for over 25 years. Her journey into animal rescue began in 2001 after adopting a retired racing greyhound. Combining her passion for photography with her love for animals, Lisa has dedicated herself to raising much needed funds for rescue organizations. "

"Shelters are overflowing and challenged with decreased donations and volunteer support. We can do better. We NEED to do better. Fundraising programs offer a win-win situation, and I'm eager to unite people in making a positive impact together." -Lisa Asp

FAQ:  What should I bring to the photo session?

Two items will help the photography session run smoothly. The first is treats! We have treats and toys, but if there is something special your pet(s) like or they have a special diet, please bring that with you. (Please keep your treats put away, though, until we need them.) The second is a friendly face. To help your pet feel comfortable, we want to keep the stress level low. If you are feeling stressed, your pet will as well.

FAQ:  How can I best prepare for the session?

Work with your pet(s) on some basic obedience - sit, down, stay, etc. Knowing some of these skills will give him confidence and allow us to photograph him off leash and free!

FAQ:  Can any pet take part?

Absolutely! All pets, big and small, are welcome to take part in the fundraiser. MACC Pack will be the beneficiary for the fundraiser, but any pet is welcome. It's a great opportunity to help raise money for a local organization while taking advantage of special pricing and product options.

FAQ:  Does my pet need to be trained for the session?

Nope! We often work with rescue animals that have limited knowledge (if any) of basic commands. Sure, knowing basic commands such as sit, come and lie down are helpful, but they aren’t required. We will allow your pet to be himself and will capture that personality as it happens.

FAQ:  Will my pet stay on a leash?

If we can, we like to photograph pets off leash so they are comfortable. If necessary, we will put them on leash and can edit the leash out of the photo later. It’ll look as if your pup was roaming the wild! Harnesses are difficult to remove, so we will not use a harness unless absolutely necessary.

FAQ:  Can I be included in some of the photos with my pet?

Yes, of course! We recommend complementing your pet’s fur with solid color clothing and pick a neutral color that hides pet hair. Avoid white.

FAQ:  Do I choose the photo for the calendar?

Yep! All the sessions in this fundraiser will be represented in the calendar, and we want those images to be YOUR favorite! We will help you narrow down your options when you come back in to view the images.