At 8 a.m. on Black Friday, Neiman Marcus reveals its annual Houston SPCA Holiday Adoptions Window, a sight that has tugged at shoppers' heartstrings for more than 20 years. The SPCA will have adorable adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and small dogs in the store window during regular store hours through Dec. 23.
The window at the Galleria store will also feature the work of Kim Hartz, a local photographer who specializes in pets.
Hartz is the first photographer commissioned for the event, which aims to raise awareness and increase adoptions throughout the holiday season.
"I am extremely honored to be able to do this," said Hartz, who has decided upon a glitz and glam winter wonderland for the kittens and a rustic vintage holiday set for the pups.
Mochi is an energetic kitten.
Hartz' image of Aubrey, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, merited in the Loan Collection of Professional Photographers of America's International Print Competition.
Jake Kittenhall is a rescue kitty that belongs to one of Hartz' close friends.
Three-month-old Golden Retriever, Missy.
"This sweet girl was absolutely beautiful and another great model," says Hartz of the blue-eyed Mocha. "Cats can be tough, but I get fortunate to get ones that one to pose."
Isabella's owner is the editor of Life + Dog Magazine.
"She is quite a famous dog in Houston," Hartz explained. "I love this image because she really looks like she just got her hair done."
Hartz said that Bella was an ideal model who posed the whole time.
Alfie was one of Hartz' first pet images, and remains one of her favorites today.
Cabo was rescued from a shelter by Melinda Crader, the interior designer who helped Hartz to create the design and layout of the Neiman Marcus window.
"I alwyas wanted to photograph a litter, and I was fortunate enough to have a client that bred Huskies," Hartz said of this iconic image.
See these photos and up-for-adoption animals on display at Neiman Marcus through Dec. 23 — and maybe you'll go home with a pet of your own.
