'Pets Of The Hills' Calendar
Calling All Local Pet Owners!
Applications are now open for our 2027 calendar!
Make your pet a calendar star, plus support Gembrook Wildlife Shelter!
We are calling all pets and their families that reside in the Dandenong Ranges area to feature in our next
'Pets Of The Hills' calendar. This calendar is an initiative by Emerald photographer Michelle of
Captured Hearts Photography and is being supported by local businesses to raise much needed funds
for Gembrook Wildlife Shelter.
Does your pet have what it takes to be a calendar star? We are looking for:
8 Dogs
1 Cat
2 Horses or Ponies
1 unique pet (this could be alpaca's/birds/goats etc)
If you are obsessed with your pet and consider them a beloved member of your family, we would love to hear from you! Whether you are single, a couple, a family with children, or retired ~ pets make a special companion at many stages of life and we would love a variety of pets and their owners to photograph and feature in our fundraising calendar. We are looking for pet owners who both value professional photography and are passionate about supporting our local Wildlife Shelter.
About Gembrook Wildlife Shelter
Gembrook Wildlife Shelter has been running for over 30 years with the love and devotion of Helen, a true guardian angel for the injured wildlife of the Dandenong Ranges. Helen devotes her entire 20 acre property in Gembrook as a safe haven for injured and baby animals ranging from kangaroos, wombats, possums, horses, birds, and even an Emu raised from a chick! She works tirelessly every day to feed and care for the animals and has a small team of amazing volunteers helping her ~ all working towards releasing the animals back into the wild.
Gembrook Wildlife Shelter is kept afloat by Helen's personal funds, with little outside help. Her passion and love for the animals is truly an honour to witness, as she devotes her life entirely to this mission. Photographer Michelle, with the help of local businesses, hopes that the 2026 Calendar fundraiser will be a big helping hand to Helen and the animals she saves.
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Gembrook Wildlife Shelter has been running for over 30 years with the love and devotion of Helen, a true guardian angel for the injured wildlife of the Dandenong Ranges. Helen devotes her entire 20 acre property in Gembrook as a safe haven for injured and baby animals ranging from kangaroos, wombats, possums, horses, birds, and even an Emu raised from a chick! She works tirelessly every day to feed and care for the animals and has a small team of amazing volunteers helping her ~ all working towards releasing the animals back into the wild.
Gembrook Wildlife Shelter is kept afloat by Helen's personal funds, with little outside help. Her passion and love for the animals is truly an honour to witness, as she devotes her life entirely to this mission. Photographer Michelle, with the help of local businesses, hopes that the 2026 Calendar fundraiser will be a big helping hand to Helen and the animals she saves.
How Does It Work?
A donation of $65 is all we ask to have your beloved pet/s become one of 12 lucky calendar stars!
In return, successful applicants will receive a full professional photography experience with photographer Michelle valued at over $300, who is donating her time to photograph the 12 lucky participants. Successful applicants receive:
• A fun-filled 90min photography experience for your pet/s and family.
• A copy of the ‘Pets in the Hills’ Calendar with your pet featured.
• A personalised Viewing Session at the Captured Hearts Photography studio in Emerald, where you get to relive the fun of your photography session and view your full photo gallery!
• A $100 Credit to use towards any photo purchases for your own home, with 5% of all photo sales also donated to Gembrook Wildlife Shelter!
Michelle is an award-winning pet photographer who loves to create stunning portraits of people’s beloved pets so they can be remembered forever. She is very passionate about capturing the special bond you share with your pets so your love for them will be re-ignited every time you look at your beautiful photos!
Michelle offers a full service from capture to print and specialises in bringing your photographs to life with premium photographic prints, albums & wall decor ~ ensuring your memories will last a lifetime!
To be involved, simply apply below:
FAQ
What suburbs are considered 'The Hills'?
If you live in the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne or in close surrounding suburbs, you are eligible to apply to be part of the calendar fundraiser. Basically from Ferntree Gully up to Gembrook, across to Pakenham Upper, Kilsyth and Lilydale and everywhere in between!
Will it just be my pet featured in the calendar, or myself and family too?
Your photography session is the perfect opportunity to update your family photographs (if applicable) or have your own special portraits with your beloved pet captured. We include one small photograph of owners with their pet/s as part of the calendar design, however you can request to have a more natural/candid photograph included where your faces are less recognisable.
Can we have our photographs taken on our own property/ farm?
Photographer Michelle is aware that some pets do not travel well, or are too big to travel! Example, horses and farm animals. If you have a decent-sized property and Michelle feels it is suitable for photographs, it will most definitely be considered. We would love to use some scenic farming or lifestyle properties to showcase the beautiful Dandenong Ranges! Otherwise Photographer Michelle often uses the Olinda area for her outdoor photography sessions. Please note that all outdoor sessions are scheduled for sunset time to capture the best light of the day.
What happens after we submit our application?
All applications are read and considered and those who make the short list will be contacted by photographer Michelle. The next step is to attend a consultation appointment with Michelle at the Captured Hearts Photography studio in Emerald, and afterwards you will be notified if your pet/s have successfully received a spot in our calendar. Depending on how many applications are received, the task of selecting just 12 can prove very difficult!
How does the photo shoot process work?
Photographer Michelle always aims to provide a personal experience and works with you closely to prepare you, your pet and family for your photo shoot. First there is a consultation appointment, then successful applicants will be asked to kindly donate $65 to confirm their participation. We will then book in a date for your photo shoot. Please read the Experience page for step-by-step information on the whole process.
If we would love to buy our photographs, how much do they cost?
With your $100 credit, photo purchases begin from just $475, however most clients fall in love with the photographs of their adorable pets and invest in a package valued between $950-$2000.
Photographer Michelle specialises in bringing your photographs to life with stunning Wall Decor, professional prints and albums. Digital files can also be purchased on their own or are included within collections. You can see further information on the Investment page. Payment plans are available if needed.
Where can I buy the calendar and how much will they be?
Businesses sponsoring the fundraiser have offered to sell them in their shop. There will also be a pre-sale sent out via email. Calendars will be $20 each and they can be delivered via post if needed. There will be a local pick-up option as well.
How do I become a volunteer for Gembrook Wildlife Shelter?
Helen is always looking for suitable volunteers to help her care for the animals on her property in Gembrook. If you are interested you can contact Helen on 0409 414 527.