Today finds it to be an overcast….damp….rain on and off kind of day. Having some free time I took the opportunity to play with Nikkor’s 50 mm AF S lens and I must say it is exactly what I have read and been told….Sweet It is really about time Nikkor updated some of the old favs. Wonderful Bokeh, and oh so quiet motor….fast enough for the puppies….and of course wonderful for inside and low light situations (1.4)!!! Other then resizing for the web, these images have-not been manipulated.

Since I had the time I decided it was time to “try” and get the pup to know just what he should do around the camera, of course we will need several more sessions for these were really just “luck” shots. When the pups were about 7 weeks old the breeder had sent a photograph to all of the new puppies families of all the puppies in the pen napping. The position that most were in made you smile….there was one pup that had actually climbed on top of one of the crates and was napping on it….half on, half off….can you guess which pup it was?

Even though the three adults are sooooo used to having their pic taken….when adding a new pup to the pack you have to have some patience….at this point the pup is actually a little shark with fur,!!! The other dogs do not want to be placed next to him….they will all learn…and really each will do anything for a treat

Yes indeed…it really is. When our Golden Phoenix died over a year ago…well our little pack of three was just not the same. While Phoenix can never be replaced it was time to add another Golden to our pack….bringing our three pack, up to a four pack.

While only with us a couple of days…he has made himself right at home.

After the meet and greet it was time to explore the new surroundings…everything had to be taken in, smelled…rolled in

Just look at that face…oh how he just melts our hearts!!!

Looking up at the A-Frame….just maybe one day he will be an agility dog??

And yes….Puppy Breath

He plays hard, and nap time….he sleeps soundly. Now, before you all run out for no doubt I have so enticed a few of you to get yourselves a pup…it is hard work. They need you there to potty train, crate train and of course teach them to have a soft mouth, what not to chew on. Just like with our children the most precious thing you can give is your time.

Rocky finally has a brother…Bailey (Baileys Irish Cream…yum) and yes…a little R & B is indeed good for your soul. Check back once in a while to se how Bailey is growing….oh and look for his training puppy training video’s which will be posted on occasion.

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Upon my return home yesterday my pack let me know right off the bat that it was just unacceptable that I left them behind. I cannot really blame them…they are used to having me hang around, or if I leave, so too do they. They were left in the very best of care….received enough play, attention. Still, they are way to accustomed to having me around. So in between catching up….I have had to groom, give hugs and of course lots of outside time playing. No….not at all spoiled!

This Sunday found me busy working. Doing the prep work on a couple of new portraits…as I am not the photographer on all paintings I create it can at times be a little challenging, especially if the animals are deceased and the original photographs are not very good. So…after running through PS and making the adjustments that will give me the best detail to see, I started painting. I got to thinking and I know, I have written this before…take the time to get a few wonderful photographs of your furry friends…easy to do if taking them yourself. I cannot imagine not having the many wonderful images of my beloved pets….know that in your local area I bet there is a pet photographer or two…well worth the investment…even in these troubled times….I photograph people and their pets all the time as I no doubt other pet photographers do….so make it a family affair and get some great images!!!!

So…during my break the above was painted…Niki in color!

Sometimes it just all comes down to a balancing act

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Earlier today found myself and my ever faithful pack wandering the yard….camera in hand and ready to stop and photograoh those findings that are interesting. The last of the lilies….seems such a short season however I know that this is due to me not feeing well and not making use of the camera and taking the time to enjoy the flowers in my yard.

While in the agility yard I watched all three dogs…last night I had a student from about 10 years ago stop by to introduce me to his new GS pup. What an adorable puppy Sasha….but then I have a thing for GS’s….love them. What a smart puppy, as she will again be stopping in next week and I will have a few pictures of her to post. Being a puppy she made use of the grassy area in the agility yard….while none of my dogs met her….they knew she was in their yard and this morning just had to investigate. Each had to reclaim what is theirs as they stopped at each location the little pup had urinated.

As all of my pups are now full grown we have been thinking of eventually adding another. Keep thinking something will just come along for in the past that is how we have gotten most of our dogs….or maybe another Golden for how can you just have one

What is it about sunflowers I adore… So very fragile looking with their long stems and large flowers…. Swaying in the breeze… hues of gold, yellow, brown and green. Standing so tall and proud… Always turning their heads towards the sun.

Taking a break and doing something fun. Hung out with the puppies earlier then sat and painted a few things…just because I felt like it and the fact I am not feeling well…Lupus…sometimes just has to rear it’s ugly head. I often think it does that just as a way to get me to pay attention on the “good” days….take in all you can, when you can

Add to the fact that while I so enjoy painting portraits, often times I have to do what the client wants for they want what they want and the fact the artist wants to be creative, well sometimes you just have to paint in a way that is more appealing to the one that will be viewing the painting on a daily basis It takes me a while to wrap my mind around making the changes that were requested…best to walk away for a day or so and then start with fresh eyes, and a fresh mind.

Managed a few shots of the puppies…very hot here in the Atlanta area and bad air as well….so early morning is the best times for us to explore for a little while.

 Today found the dogs and I hanging out…playing, exploring and even resting a bit. Look at each of their faces and really, what is there not to love about them. They are adorable…even if only through my eyes The best thing about them…they are the best fun police dogs! They know when I need to get up from the PC and just play and romp with them. Have you had fun with your dog<s> lately? Weekend is here…go for a nice walk…explore, have fun. Don’t forget to bring your camera along, make sure you share those images with us!!!!

Our little furry friend went home with his people last night. Dogs are pretty amazing….in all the years I have worked with animals most know when they will be going home, Ziggy is one of those dogs. He was very excited all day, and did not complete his dinner…something very much out of the ordinary for him. he likes his meals. He did not skip a beat having been dropped off….however once he saw his favorite people….home is where he wanted to be. If you go back and view the images of Ziggy when he first arrived you will see it was very difficult for me to get a good photograph of him….much better day four and when he left I must say he was such a little ham

He had Lots of things going on during his stay with us….play, exercise, training….walks, lots of walks. Not to mention three other dogs to annoy….I mean play with My two females adored him for about a day or so….then they treated him as though he had cooties….can’t say that I blame him, he was just a bit too interested in sniffing them….Niki once in while play bowed and ran a bit with him….Gemma pretty much ignored him. Now Rocky…all of my hard work paid off for in the end they were the best of friends. Last few days Ziggy was given a little more freedom in the yard and I got to watch them play tug of war with the frisbee. Now….I saw Rocky look at me once in a while to see if I was really paying attention….since Ziggy was dragging a light line attached to his harness….well he wanted to do his Golden thing and pick the end of the line up and take Ziggy for a little spin. Yes…I was paying attention…same thing when they played tug….I was there encouraging Rocky to play nice.

Each dog I work with I always learn a little something, that is the best part about working with canines….no matter how much experience a trainer can have those that are the most successful will take away with them just as much as the dog….maybe even more. Now, the tough part….working with his people. The dogs, piece of cake….people a little tougher to work with I state that only because most people make too many excuses as why they can’t do something…..or they can’t make the time for the dog….in the end it is up to how well I can teach the dogs people for after all my Job Description is that of Dog Trainer when really my job is that of teaching people

I have to admit I did so enjoy watching the little dog stand his ground. While yes, I worked with him to be behaved in the presence of larger sized dogs (no posturing, barking or whining) does not at all mean I did not admire his little dog attitude. Now, being vertically challenged myself I happen to understand completely

If it has been a while since you have done something with your furry friends, take the time to do so Summer Time Safety Tip: If you have a pool please do take the time to teach your dogs how to get in and out of your pool safely.

11 x 14 Fine Art Paper

Sometimes you just have to stop what you are doing and take a break…have a nice cup of tea and put your feet up….relax. Close your eyes for a bit…yep, an afternoon Tea Time break.