Our New Addition

This past weekend we welcomed an unexpected new addition to the family.  An 8 week old yellow lab that is so cute he out to be in pictures.  My husband had wanted a dog for a while and the right opportunity presented itself.  He is your typical puppy playing until he can hardly stand and then crashes for a few hours.  Working from home during the week I can’t tell you how much I look forward to those “crashes”.  His play-fullness is wonderful however labs like to chew, the first day or so of working went well his toys kept him entertained for the most part and I thought this is no problem, this is working out so well.  Wednesday arrived and the new toys no longer kept him entertained and the entertainment came from all the things he could get into in my office.  My mother came to see the puppy and saved the day with a “new toy” an empty plastic coke bottle.  He spent the entire afternoon when not sleeping playing happily with his new toy.  Today the bottle has lost it’s newness and the carpet, sofa, coffee table, my chair, the bookshelf etc… became much more interesting.  Do they sell bitter apple spray by the gallon?  My hearing has improved tenfold and I can now identify with my back turned if he is playing with one of his toys or attempting to destroy something in the office.  Perhaps this is something like my mother always knowing when we were getting into something we shouldn’t when she wasn’t even in the room.   Back to work and keeping my sanity .

Diesel

All about the dog

Many couples first “baby” is a four legged friend.  I am often asked if I could please get a photograph of the bride and or groom with their first best friend.  Photographing a pet can be fun as long as all parties understand that they might not get the picture they envisioned.  No matter how well behaved their “baby” might be more often then not when it comes time for the ever important picture “baby” will turn into an uncooperative toddler.   It takes patience and more importantly a sense of fun to get a great picture with you four legged friend.  Here are some hints for great pictures with your pets.  If he/ she is not used to being “dressed up”  or is not comfortable with the chosen accessories (bow tie/ hat/ veil etc…) then they will be less likely to respond to the photographer.  Their attention is focused on getting whatever it is on them off…  The less people around the better, pets can get confused and frustrated if there are multiple people calling their name or giving them directions.   Stay focused on the photographer and allow them to get your pets attention.  Keeping an open mind and understanding that like small children our pets don’t always do what we want them to will allow you to enjoy the photo time with your pet more.

Below is an image of a couple taken immediately following the reception at their residence.  It was a chilly day and this particular dog did not like the cold.  He was a shivering bundle of love but a few whistles and odd sounds that can only be described as annoying got this little guys attention for his first portrait with the new Mr. & Mrs.

Spike

My beloved cat Spike’s (whose sole purpose in life seems to be to sleep, beg for food and harasses her “sister” cat Timber) life can be appealing at times; who wouldn’t want to sleep in, have catered meals, be brought special treats while lounging in bed and receive massages upon demand.  While that certainly has a time and a place (I call those vacations) I like the feeling I get when I accomplish something.  Not that Spike never accomplishes anything, she does:  however getting into the trash for food does not fall high on my list of things to accomplish in life.  The satisfaction of knowing I have done good and hopefully brought joy to another person is one of the things that keeps me fueled up for life.

Spike at rest