It started when a bit of frustration turned into a light bulb moment for local foodie Kathleen Callan. Her boyfriend’s 8-year-old son, is slightly disabled and lacked the motor skills to tie his shoes.

“There was something missing,” said Callan. “I was frustrated with the medication and physical therapy he was receiving. So I went out and got him a dog.”

Soon Callan was witnessing a positive change.

“Within a very short time his motor skills were improving dramatically,” she said. “Not to mention his joy at having a dog.”

Wanting to support the Humane Society, Callan thought of an idea drawing on two of her passions — local sustainable food and animals.

“I wanted to give credit to the local sustainable movement and the chefs who work so hard to make it happen. But the idea of combining that with their pets is where the love came in; two great groups coming together for a cause,” said Callan.

The idea of a calendar was born, featuring local chefs and their pets. And Callan found the perfect supporter of her project in Brian Scheehser, executive chef of Kirkland’s Trellis Restaurant.

Scheehser is a firm believer in the farm-to-table approach, growing many of the ingredients on his 10-acre farm in Woodinville.

Frequently by his side is his dog, Hijo, which Scheehser rescued while on a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

“As a new pup, he was full of worms and in need of a good home,” recalled Scheehser.

After a few visits to the vet and time spent getting to know his new family, Hijo was on a plane bound for Seattle.

“We thought he should arrive in style,” said Scheehser. “So he flew with us in the first-class cabin.”

The devotion Scheehser feels for his pet is apparent in the dog’s name, which means “son” in Spanish.

When approached with the calendar project, the chef and animal lover became an ardent supporter.

“Brian helped me open the doors to get to the others,” said Callan.  “Once I mentioned he was in, the other chefs effortlessly got on board.”

Enter photographer Kathryn Barnard, who had just finished shooting a cookbook for well-known local chef Lisa Dupar.

“When she found out about the project she jumped on board for the whole ride,” said Callan. “Magic happened … and doors opened up.”

The result is a beautiful calendar, featuring a dozen local chefs and their beloved pets. Hijo especially enjoyed his photo shoot, done at Scheehser’s farm.

“He was all kisses and covered in mud from head to toe. It was the bath afterward he could have done without,” joked Scheehser.

Now gracing “November,” Scheehser and Hijo were happy to help out.

“It is so important to support the Humane Society and the pets it cares for,” said Scheehser.

Callan’s goal for the project is to raise $30,000 for the Seattle Humane Society. Calendars are available for $16.99 plus shipping online at www.chanteusedesigns.com and at many local restaurants, including Trellis.

Thank you Malia.

Remember, Buy Local, love deeply!

Bon Appetit!