A crutch, the dog park?

      At the beach and around the corner in Connecticut.  It was a very chilly day for the beach.   Elsa was about 5 1/2 months old here.

The dog park can become a crutch.  It is a place where you can socialize and exercise your dog without exercising yourself.  Most times you can get a great deal of exercise for your dog in a short time span.  So you go and you go and you go; day after, day after, day.  Your dog loves to go, they get lots of canine interaction and all is good right?  Maybe not.  The question is, do you also take your dog for leash walks in public areas.  Maybe downtown, a children's soccer game, the park or outdoor Mall?  If not, you should. 

When I was in Connecticut in 2011/2012 I had a young puppy.  Being that we were plunked in a place where I knew no one and didn't know where the great parks were I had opted for the beach.  A great beach that is only open for a very short time of the year for dogs to be off leash.  Being that I could hit the park at off hours; it made visiting the park a great place.  There were never too many dogs at a time and lots of room between each group of people and their dogs.  If you wanted  to interact you could but you didn't have to.  It was a great place and one that gave Elsa a huge boost in her canine socializing.  We visited a lot for the short time that we were in Connecticut an I loved it. 

Of course there were extenuating circumstances that made the park the place for us to be.  I had to bring Luke with us for every outing; as he was dealing with separation anxiety due to the loss of his two life long companions.  So I needed a place where Elsa could run her little butt off and Luke could meander; the beach was the place where it could all happen.  But when we weren't at the beach and leashes were required, it could be difficult containing Elsa.  Her enthusiasm to romp with every dog she met was becoming apparent.  "What do you mean I can't just run with every dog?" Was her clear dilemma. 

Once we were back in California we had work to do with on-leash canine greetings and walk bys.  She had to learn that life is not a dog beach.  I see this quite often; dogs get so use to being free that being leashed and controlled becomes a problem.  Elsa was very young so the dog beach gave us the most important thing that she needed, socializing.  But you also need life lessons, learning to walk nicely on a leash (which she does amazing I might add); seeing other dogs and not interacting with them and walking by all manner of people. 

When a dog is at a dog park and very involved with other dogs and the whole activity of interacting, not much concern is put into anything else. A great dog park or beach with nice friendly dogs can be a great place to socialize; but our dogs need  more, much more.  They need structure, control lessons and introduction to the life around them.  If you miss out on all the other stuff and opt just to hit the park all the time then your dog and you will pay the price. 

The more varied things that you offer your dog to experience in their early years the better.  Hit the street, go to the park, sit outside of restaurants; go to all the places that you might end up going at some point in time.  Teach your dog about revolving doors, automatic doors that open as you approach and shopping carts.  Elsa learned about automatic doors before she was 4 months old and it was very useful when she had to go in and out of many on our travel across country.  Go to a soccer game; this is one place where much can be learned.  The first couple of times that we walked by a soccer game; Elsa almost came unglued by the balls.  Of course, being the ball dog that she is she wanted them all.  With just a couple of visits and some age behind her she was able to walk by a ball field without losing it. 

People carry a lot of stuff at soccer games; they can look menacing to a dog who has never seen someone carrying a giant bag of balls.  Dogs need to learn what to concern themselves with and what can be ignored.  How about a tennis court?  Been by one of those with your ball crazed dog?  I have and it was......lets just say crazy.  So, we did it again and again and again until she learned that all of those tennis balls belonged to someone else. 

Yes the dog park or beach can be great; but they can also become a crutch.  Get out, experience life with your dog.  Take a turn down a street where you've never been.  Go to a new park or beach where leashes are required.   Yes leashes suck but they are a fact of life so you may as well do leashes well if you have to.  So get out and have a great new day with your dog today. 

Adopt, don't shop.

You've seen these signs everywhere.  It is written on people's shirts, stuck onto their bumpers and passed through the internet like wildfire.  Rescuing is a wonderful thing and as you all know I photograph rescue dogs and had a little foster girl here just last weekend.  But I also have two dogs that I purchased and care for with every ounce of nurture that is in me.   I have been scorned by some people who think that the term "shop" is a blanket statement; and that my friend is where they are very wrong.  I have pulled out my soap box to explain but alas it falls on deaf ears much of the time. 

It is the millers, don't buy from the millers.  The ones who have websites where you can buy one, two or more puppies right online.  The people who have kennels set up for multiple litters at a time.  Those who house hundreds of dogs; pumping puppies out like an assembly line.  Even when you see great, friendly websites who look like they care for their puppies; count the number of litters at a time.  I can see maybe two happening on occasion but anymore than two litters at the same time should tip you off.  When you see three, four or more litters at the same time or back to back litters then you need to move away from that breeder. 

I LOVE STANDARD POODLES; there I said it and I am proud of it.  I adore my dogs and care for them the absolute best that I can.  That said, I love dogs in general; I simply adore them.  I am not ashamed that my dogs are not rescues.  The only time you ever need to feel ashamed is when you have knowingly filled a filthy millers pockets.  By filthy I mean the type of human, not cleanliness.  When you purchase from them because you can't wait or it is easy; you have then continued the horrors that the breeder dogs live. 

When you start to look for a puppy with the intention of purchasing you must take extreme precaution.  You must ask, ask, and ask some more.  If you are going in blind you can be easily duped.  There are a great deal of dubious breeders out there.  They know what to say, they know how to get around the incorrect answers that you are looking for.  They know all too well how to push their goods and reap the benefits.  So you need to be well educated in what you are looking for. 

Over the years I have talked to many breeders.  When I've been looking for a puppy of my own, for someone else and for photography purposes.  I can weed through the BS and find the truth very easily.  When I am looking for a breeder I want someone who I mesh with; someone who believes in much of what I believe as far as dogs are concerned.  It is not always easy; good breeders can be very possessive of their goods as they should be.  A good breeder may put you through the ringer and you might end up on a very long waiting list.  This is also how it should be. 

You may even be told no; a good breeder turns people away when they don't feel that you are a good match for their dogs.  I have been told NO, that's right and I was indeed shocked; but it was only once.   Years ago I had been making plans to purchase a puppy and was then told that the very puppy I was planning had been sold to someone else.  That was a huge shocker; but again totally up to the breeder.  It is their decision entirely who puppies go to.  There was another puppy that I was told was available and while I discussed it with my family their decision to let the puppy go changed and they kept her.

Purchasing a puppy is not like going into a store and buying a pair of shoes.  No, there is a huge amount of work to do and their can be heartache involved.  It is never good to get your hopes up until that magical moment when your puppy is placed into your arms.  Although a good breeder's word should be golden; once stated that you can indeed have a puppy, only Mother Nature should revoke that word.  Things happen, life has a way of keeping us on our toes.  Not all litters are born with the perfect number that are needed for buyers. 

The bottom line is that if you want a particular breed of dog; do your homework.  Research like crazy and find a good, reputable and ethical breeder.  Someone who cares about their dogs as much as you will care about yours.  Do not pay for a puppy who is the product of a greedy humans desire.  When someone makes a living out of selling puppies; it can never end well for the dogs.  If waiting and researching is what you need to do to find a great breeder, do it. 

This and that

Good Saturday morning.  Anything exciting happening this weekend?  I've got Penny for a week so I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of shooting.  It really is adorable just how much Elsa and Penny love each other.  From the moment Penny is in the house they are inseparable.  Right now Elsa and Penny are on the bed sleeping; something I wasn't sure could happen when they are together.  But I am glad that they have figured it out.  Of course they had a bit of help from me in that department.  Making rules about the bed is a good one.  When you have no choice but to sit still you tend to fall asleep. 

Yesterday the girls had a bath and then had a blast afterwards in the yard.  Could Elsa get anymore charged?  Yep, give her a bath and set her free with Penny.  No doubt these two will be exhausted come the end of the week and will both need a vacation of their own.  But for now they will enjoy each other's company with my ever watching eyes supervising their shenanigans. 

Now for Mr. Luke.  Last night I was at the beach shooting my son surfing.  It was an amazing evening, beautiful sunset and there were dogs.  Lots of dogs; not on the beach as they are not allowed on this particular beach but right up to the beach.  So as I sat on my very hard rock photographing I shot a couple of dogs too.  One nice woman sat close behind me with her Rhodesian.  He looked old, really old.  He walked slowly, his legs shook when he stopped and his entire face was grey.  As I left my shooting place I asked how old he was; "10 years,"  she said.  "Wow" I thought to myself; "Luke is doing pretty darn great."  This thought alone made me smile.   Not bad for an old man f 13. 

When I got home Luke and Elsa were at the door waiting.  Luke is a little more clinging when Penny is around.  I got a huge love fest and then moved into the kitchen to add one more to the group fest.  I have to be very careful of Luke with Penny here; it doesn't take much to knock the old guy down now.  But with strict supervision and rules; everything will go to plan.  Have a great weekend; I'll be hopping for sure.  :)  Pics Monday. 

Tales of a tail - #2

Not one of the girls but an adorable young English Bulldog boy who is in my Dogs In The OC book.  

I met Prada (name change) many years ago.  She was just a pup when we met and she was one of the most expressive little things that I had ever met.  Prada was also one of the many English Bulldogs that I've worked with.  Not long after I met her I worked with loads of other English Bulldogs and fell head over heels in love with the breed.  They are most definitely characters.

Probably the biggest misconception about the breed is that they are stupid.  Even many owners think that their English Bulldog is stupid.  Nothing could be further from the truth; Bulldogs are crazy smart.  Smart enough in fact to convince you that they are stupid.  No, they are smart cookies; but willing to jump at your every command?  Not so much.  Prada learned absolutely everything that we taught her but whether or not she did what she was told was something entirely different.

Each week when we met for a training class; I knew that I was in for laughs.  When asked to do a behavior that she really wasn't in the mood for she would simply whip her head around and not look at me.  Believe me when I say; that it took a great deal of work to outsmart her.  But once I had her figured out; she was amazing to teach.  I truly hate when people assume that certain breeds are stupid just because they haven't figured out how to teach them yet.

Bulldog's have got huge personalities and are one of my favorite breeds to shoot as well as train.  With their expressive face and gestures they can keep you laughing on a regular basis.  A couple of years after I met Prada; she was joined by another house sibling, Chablis (name change to protect identity).  She too was an English Bulldog; different, yet very much a character as well.  I always looked forward to our weekly training session and got a kick out of the two girls and their interactions with each other and with me.  The two would compete for my attention and just loved their training session.

I always hated to leave; hanging out with them was a blast.  Being their private trainer was most definitely a privilege.  Although I worked with them so many years ago; they still hold a special place in my "great dog's I've known."  Those two girls were just a few of the amazing English Bulldogs that I had the opportunity to work with but two that left the some of the biggest impressions.

Pick up sticks

Dogs are so smart, far smarter than we give them credit.  Almost weekly, I have a "wow" canine moment.  This past weekend when we had our little foster guests at our home; Elsa was on a mission.  Her mission was to get this little, tiny canine to play.  As you all know Elsa loves to play; she loves to play more than anything else.  She doesn't care if you are canine or human; she's up for a good rough and tumble.  So when she was faced with a dog who wanted nothing to do with her, she had a big job in front of her.

First they had to get the "how do you do's" out of the way and then it was play time.  Each and every time Elsa tried to play the puppy sat staring at her.  If Elsa made a playful leap in the puppy's direction she went running for cover.  Sprout had obviously not had a great deal of play experience in her life thus far.  This was going to be a lot of work for Elsa; not only did she need to break through the fear factor of Sprout, but there was the huge size difference to consider.  If Elsa had been closer to Sprouts size it might have been a little less daunting of a task.

So she tried and she tried; Elsa tried everything she knew to get the little puppy to play.  She threw her toys in the air, across the room and down the stairs.  She shook the toys until I thought that she would give herself whiplash.  Elsa jumped and leapt around making it look like she was having the best time of her life; but the puppy wasn't buying it.  Sprout sat safely under a chair watching.

Before the first day ended there was a glimmer of play in Sprouts eye.  She was starting to understand what all this crazy behavior was from Elsa.  I had Elsa lay down so that she wasn't quite so large comparatively.  This really helped as Sprout came out from the chair and had a sniff; she even made an almost play bow but then ran for cover again.  By the next day things were changing; Sprout was not running for cover nearly as much.  Of course when Elsa came charging and pouncing in her direction, she hid.  But Sprout was following Elsa around and Elsa was quite enjoying being the boss; she's a pretty bossy girl. 

Then the breakthrough moment appeared.  Elsa stood staring, watching Sprout intently; as she had done since her arrival, she got an idea.  We were all sitting outside under a tree.  Luke was laying peacefully in the shade; Sprout was sniffing around with Elsa watching.  Sprout picked up a stick, a tiny stick; fitting for a very tiny puppy.  I took it away as she started to chew it.  That was Elsa's moment; she saw what the puppy wanted and knew then what to do.  She immediately picked up a stick and brought it over to Sprout.  Backing away as Elsa loomed over her; Sprout stared at the stick.  Sprout looked shocked that Elsa had brought her a stick and when she reached out to get it, Elsa grabbed it and ran off.  She immediately brought it back and tried again.  She reached down, offering Sprout the stick in her mouth and she took the bait, finally.   The game was on.

The whole process was amazing to watch as it unfolded.  Elsa was beyond dedicated in her pursuit of a game.  Her thought process was undeniable and her ability to teach another, impeccable.  The two shared a stick moment; with Elsa picking all the sticks up and offering them to Sprout.  Finally Elsa lay down beside Sprout as they enjoyed a bit of stick chewing together.  A tiny stick had been the key that would break down the wall.  Elsa saw the tiny stick as an opportunity and took it. 

They are truly amazing; aren't they? 

   

Put a muzzle on it.

On the way to the park yesterday, we drove past a woman walking her Pit bull down the street.  I actually did a double take as the traffic slowed for a red light.  The dog was wearing a muzzle and I wanted to be sure that it wasn't just a face harness; and sure enough it was not, it was a full on muzzle.  You don't see dogs wearing muzzles very often and it got me to pondering.  I was impressed, very impressed that this woman was responsible to this degree.  Not only was her dog on a leash but she took the next step and had her dog wear a muzzle.  Obviously the dog is not friendly; I have no idea if it is just a dog issue or perhaps it is not people friendly either.  But nonetheless she was  not taking any chances. 

My mind wandered to the other end of the spectrum as far as safety.  The people who meander into dog parks and beaches with their dog; knowing full well that they are not friendly.  One of the dogs that I was shooting for a magazine was attacked by one of these as we were about to leave a beach on day.  As the scuffle finally ended and we were heading out; the same dog turned around and made a b-line to attack another unsuspecting dog.  They are out there and sadly these dogs live with very bad dog owners. 

It is a dismal thing when a dog is aggressive.  Aggression can stem from many other behaviors, fear, dominance, guarding etc. etc.  But the aggression is the problem, not where it comes from.  There are different levels of aggression; everything from just hating others and trying to keep them away to full on wanting to kill other dogs.  Dogs who growl and snap are common; it can be the dog itself or leash aggression.  But what I'm talking about are the dog who will inflict damage on another dog or human. 

Life is a day to day unfolding of events; many of which we have no control over.  So if you have a very aggressive dog who will grab any dog within grabbing range; then a muzzle is a great thing.  Yes, dogs are suppose to be on leash and yes any dog off leash should be under control but come on.  We all know that people who have unruly dogs let them off leash.  Those people who say "no he won't come," as you yell at them to leash their dog.  It happens far too frequently. 

There will be many people who see this woman with her dog and be angry.  But when you look at it and assess the entire spectrum of what she has done they may change their mind.  She could have been out walking her dog without any regard for others.  Knowing full well that her dog will bite if given the chance and ignored the safety of people and dogs around.  But instead she muzzled her dog for the safety of others.  First off, the muzzle let's people know loud and clear.  She does not need to say "MY DOG IS NOT FRIENDLY," to anyone.  She is hopefully trying to rehabilitate the dog to some degree.  She is not making the problem worse by locking her dog away.  She is thinking of other's safety by putting that muzzle on her dog.  The muzzle that the dog was wearing looked to be a very well fitted one as well. 

I know too many people who have very aggressive dogs who will inflict serious damage to another dog who let their dog off leash.  They know what their dog will do and yet they are so careless.  Many people with dogs like this become angry people; some get a "my dog deserves," attitude.  But I'm sorry, if your dog will hurt another dog or human for that matter; they can never be off leash, bottom line.  No, they cannot.  Not in the back forty, not down a hopefully secluded path or a quiet forest, never.   If your backyard is entirely escape proof then yes but that's it.  If you have a dog like this then get a very well fitted muzzle.  Be sure when you walk your dog that there is no risk of, simply letting go of the leash.  When you know your dog is dangerous; you cannot be willy nilly about it.  You  must take great precautions so that your dog does not hurt someone.

If you do not take extraordinary precautions then it is your dog who will lose out.  A dog can only attack so many dogs or bite people so many times before their life is ended.  Maybe considering the alternative will shake some sense into these people who are careless about their dangerous dogs.   Yes, your dog has a right to enjoy life; but enjoying means creating a safety net for others out enjoying.  Like this woman who had her dog completely under control and safely muzzled.  

I have no tolerance for stupid people and in the end it is the dogs; who will pay for their human's stupidity.   

New information

When you get new information, what do you do with it?  Do you keep it to yourself?  Share it immediately?  Information or something new is an interesting thing.  Unless we have scientific proof to back up the information then it is just that; something new that we have heard.  Of course it is nice when you can back information up with scientific proof but even then it is something that you can agree or not agree with.  Let's face it, over the years there have been many tests done on different things that have misleading and/or completely bogus.   

"Sherri, what would you do?"  This is a question that I have heard many, many, many times.  When I talk with dog owners; whether they are a client, someone I just ran into or a friend, I like to share.  Over the years I have dealt with a lot of dog people and I learned very early on that you cannot force information on people.  When I offer information I do in tiny pieces.  I give a little and if that person wants more, they ask.  If not then I am not making enemies by forcing information down someone's throat or wasting my time.  If someone wants to know what I would do, I will tell them straight up.  I will never tell someone else what to do but will share what I do.  Just because I do it does not make it right or wrong; it is simply what I do.  I feel good about my decisions and if I make a wrong one then I own it. 

Through the years when I have given my opinion on certain subjects; there have been times when whoever I am talking to says "oh my friend says this."  Their friend has had one dog and is giving their opinion as the one and only way to do things.  They ask me what I would do and as I explain they cut in to tell me what their friend says again.  That is when I know that I am wasting my time and shut up.  Sharing information with people who aren't listening is a waste of time.  They don't have to agree but if they are not open to listen and ponder then why waste your breath?   

Humans are funny, aren't we?  There are some who are just happy living with the knowledge that they have at the moment; they are  not interested in new and improved sort of ideas.  There are people who are nay sayers and those who want to find the truth.  When people try to ram their opinions down the throat of others, it typically backfires.  I know when I run into a person who thinks that their opinion is the only opinion I tend not to listen.  People who puff up their chest and spew facts like they are a walking encyclopedia do the whole sharing of knowledge an injustice.  

Sharing is a great thing.  When you find some new and interesting information, share it.  Ask questions and debate over it but don't force.  I blog, which means that I share a great deal of information.  There have been times when someone has felt the need to attack me and/or my opinion.  That doesn't go over so well with me.  In no way do I think that I have all the answers, nor do I think that everyone should think the way that I do.  But do not try to smother my opinion with yours.  When people try so hard to show that you are wrong, they tend to alienate themselves.  If instead, they asked questions and debated something that they felt strongly with, we all learn.  Right?

Nothing is guaranteed; life unfolds as we live it and experience comes with age.  Each and every day we learn something new; even if you think that you don't.  Sometimes the smallest of things that come to light are the most important.  Sharing to those who are willing to listen is a great thing.  I can't imagine finding out some new canine fact that I think is extremely important for others to know and deciding to keep it to myself.  So I share and you should too.  Knowledge is a gift, share it. 

A tiny moment

Saturday morning I hopped in the xterra and head out to pick up my little foster.  I melted as soon as I saw her little face.  She wiggled on her side, squinting and wagging; she was tiny, so very tiny.  Pulling the blanket she lay on closer to me I was able to pick her up and hold her in my arms.  It had been a very long time since I'd held something so small.  We got her things together and we made the trip back to my house.

It is strange when you know nothing about a dog; no background, nothing about the life before she found her way into the rescue group.  I wondered where she was born, if there were more than her in the litter, where her Mother was now.  But when you don't know all that you deal with what is before you; and that was a very tiny and adorable little puppy.  She had what I call a Disney face; the kind that no one can look at without saying awwwww.   A little face filled with tufts of wiry expression.  With the scruffy little face that she had her body was so tiny.  Her two front feet looked like they had been dipped in white paint.  She was a doll for sure.

She took quite a while to warm up to Elsa.  Of course there was a 42lb size difference.  Luke was pretty much as non issue as he was only momentarily interested in her.  At 13 he is so mellow that he pretty much just goes with the flow.  After a while she seemed very comfortable to just lay beside his warm and furry body.  Her day with us was an exhausting one.  From one home to another, to meet new dogs and new routines but she was a trooper.  She stuck to me like glue from the moment we met. 

Watching her tiny 4lb body run around the yard was so different.  She could go where my dogs would have never even considered going.  Tiny crooks and corners she investigated; there in the the tiny world that was hers.  Watching her and Elsa together; I considered how large a person would have to be to me to match their ratio.  A person the height of my house would be about right; can you even imagine?  But Elsa was not going to let size interfere with her fun; no she had plans of her own and they were filled with fun.  Elsa was amazing with this tiny puppy.  She tried her very best to show her how to have fun and do things that only dogs can do.  She was patient and forgiving; relentless in her quest to play with our new house guest. 

By the second day the puppy was starting to quite enjoy Elsa and followed her around the yard.  She was still understandably apprehensive as she should have been.  She was becoming a pack member albeit a four pound one.  Her time with us was short; a mere moment and she was gone.  She found her new forever home with a wonderful family who truly need her in their life.  It doesn't take long to mesh a tiny life into your own.  But she was not meant to stay with us long; no she was here for a tiny moment.  Tiny in every sense of the word but leaving a huge impression in her wake. 

Eye contact

Eye contact -  a meeting of the eyes of two persons, regarded as a meaningful nonverbal form of communication.

There are all different degrees of eye contact in dogs.  Eye contact is a powerful means of communication and it is something that I look for in puppies.  I love eye contact; looking down and seeing my dog looking back at me.  Eye contact is a funny thing; it is much more than a connecting of the eyes.  A lot can be said with a simple contact; that is depending on who the target contact is.

Elsa is a big eye contact dog, as is Luke.  The difference in the two now is simply age and experience.  Yesterday while Elsa and I were at the park; we passed by a dog who was giving Elsa a lot of eye contact.  She didn't like it; and it is quite understandable.  As we walked down the path and nearer to the dog; it just stood frozen staring.  The owner had it out on an extension and was not reeling it in at all.  I assessed the dog as best I could.  It looked older, maybe a Siberian/Cattle dog mix.  I knew immediately that Elsa was not going to like this as we got closer.  I kept my pace exact, my demeanor was calm and confident.  As we passed the dog, it continued to stare as I gave us some space by unnoticeably moving away ever so slightly.  

Just passed the dog and Elsa let out a huge snort.  She's a snorter and her snorts mean something.  They are typically when she is stressed or anxious; when she feels the need to say something.  Much like us saying "holy sh*%, what the heck or really?"  So when she snorts I listen; and I always look around to see what she is snorting at.  As we passed the man and his dog he said "she just likes to smell," but her smelling was an unnerving behavior for Elsa; who happens to be a reader.  It is what she does and she doesn't miss a thing. 

We could walk right past a dog with only inches apart and if the dog was minding it's own business, all would be fine.  As soon as that dog connects eyes, everything changes.  That is, it changes for Elsa; not all dogs.  Many dogs are oblivious to eye contact or they simply don't care.  Elsa doesn't dislike eye contact; she simply has a heighten awareness when it comes to it.  It is not just dog eye contact that she is aware of; she watches humans and their eye contact as well.  If someone stares at her she gets quite antsy.  She tries so hard to figure out what they are saying and if they are just staring and really saying nothing, it's just plain weird to her.  

Most dogs are very aware of eye contact; but like I said some are not.  When dealing with dogs, it is a good idea to be aware of your own eye contact.  Each and every time I walk into a new training clients house I will give no eye contact. Not until I see that the dog is completely comfortable with me and me moving around in their house do I give eye contact.  Even then I am careful and do it a bit at a time. 

We recently had a party at our house.  They were both loving everyone until; one guy who had a hat on startled Elsa.  He then tried very hard to be her friend by holding his hand out and staring at her.  Humans just don't get dog language.  How many times have I said to people "just don't look at her?"  Dogs care much more about eye contact than we do.  If you meet a dog who is shy or fearful; the worst thing you can do is to look at them.  You can look past them but not at them.  Dogs are very highly tuned to direct eye contact.  Even if I'm trying to round up Luke or Elsa for a bath, I will not look at them.  Once I do they know I'm coming for them. 

Luke use to be quite the guard dog.  But everything rested on body direction and eye contact.  When he was in the car; people could walk by just fine, even bump into our car.  But, if someone did the same thing and looked into the car at him, everything changed.  At 13 he doesn't care about a whole lot; nothing much gets him flustered.  But in his day he was very much an eye dog. 

When we meet new people each day, Elsa pretty much becomes a wiggle monster.  She adores people...but; if they look into her eyes when they are petting you can literally see her pull back.  There is a tiny message in those eyes; she is sure of it, even if the person means nothing by it.  For dogs, eye contact means a lot. 

Do you have an eye contact dog?  Watch them watch other dogs and people to see.  Eyes say a great deal, if you're paying attention. 

  

 

Books

 I had Brad in my car last night which is a rare occasion.  Every time he sits in my passenger seat I cannot help but flash back to our trip across country.  Of course my book came to mind.  I decided to talk about my books this morning. It's sort of a walk down memory lane so bear with me a bit.

My very first book was Dogs in the OC.  After watching Housewives of the OC I decided that there should be a Dogs in the OC; offering a more realistic look at living in the OC.  The beauty and the places where people walk their dogs here in Orange County, CA

Before I even got started shooting I had decided to shoot real dogs in real places.  So I put out a call for dogs; any dog, big or small, furry or hairless.  The only stipulation was that they had to live in The OC.  Then I scoured the place for great dog walking sites and shot the dogs there.  It really opened my own eyes as to how many gorgeous places you can walk your dogs there are.  I loved meeting all the dogs and their owners.  Hearing all their individual stories.  So that was book one.

Dogs in the OC - on Blurb.

Book #2 was Greyhound Rescue.  I heard about Hemopet and Dr. Dodds years before.  She had done some very kind things for me and my dogs so I wanted to give back.  I couldn't rescue a Greyhound at the time so decided to do a book where 100% of the profits go to the dogs.  The whole thing, from start to finish was amazing.  Meeting each adopter, getting a glimpse into each individual dog's story to the whole rescue  procedure.  I fell in love with each shoot; rescued Greyhounds are amazing dogs and the people who rescue them are just as wonderful. 

Greyhound Rescue - on Blurb

Then came PBJ and me.  This book started out an idea of doing a photo journal across country.  My son and I were driving from CA to CT with our four dogs.  We had Jessie who was nearing 16, Tilley who was 14.5, Luke 11 and Elsa 4.5 months.  Crazy yep.  It very quickly turned into just a story about our travels.  It is all about lessons learned, things endured and what life is like in a car for 6 days.  There are a few very sad parts which are now memories stored on pages and my heart. 

PBJ and me - Two people and four dogs across the country. 

Next was the very unexpected When Luke Met Elsa.  I don't quite remember the moment when the idea struck me; but a children's book had not been in the plans.  But with so many images of Luke and Elsa while Elsa grew up it came together nicely.  She was such an important part of pack shift that the book illuminated her integral part in our life today.  Luke and Elsa are quite the pair.

When Luke Met Elsa

Then came The Standard Poodle.  I have lived with Standard Poodles for nearly 30 now; so this was the no brainer choice for a first breed photography book.  It was three years in the making and many, many hours of work.  Travelling, scheduling, shooting, working up the photos and putting the book together was a ton of work but I loved every second.  Again, meeting each and every Standard Poodle for the book was wonderful.  I love seeing the connection between a human and their dog; it is very interesting.  Each dog, although all Standard Poodles was very individual.  Work on a second Standard Poodle book is already underway but don't hold your breath, it'll be a few years.

The Standard Poodle - on Blurb

The last book to be completed was another Children's book.  Someday She'll Fly.  The book revolves around Elsa's desire to fly.  The idea came easily after seeing all of the "air" shots I got of her growing up.  She spends more time in the air than on the ground.  The story is about never giving up; when you want something bad enough you just keep trying.  I love it and it is the second book in the Luke and Elsa series.

Someday She'll Fly

That's it for my completed books to date.  I have several others in work as we speak.  I never work on one book at a time because I get bored; I like to jump back and forth.  So I have a third Children's book, a new puppy training book, a second novel and several photography books in front of me.  More to come.  :)



 

Snacking

Last week's blogs were all about nutrition.  One thing that I didn't touch on was treats, snacks or cookies.  Snacking happens to be one of Luke's favorite things to do; that is if the snacks are presented at the appropriate time.  Try to give him a snack when it is nap time midday and it is not going to happen.  But when it is snack time; during a walk or tv time at night, then stand back.  So what is a snack, treat or cookie in our house?  Anything can be a snack; from turkey, cheese, homemade cookies, store bought treats etc. etc.  But the one thing that does not fall under the snack or treat department is preservatives or chemicals. 

My go to snack that is carried with me when we walk is the organic chicken and rice sticks from Trader Joe's.  I often grab a cheese string, a bag full of chicken or homemade cookies as extra snacks.  Luke literally wants to snack the entire time we are out; which is a great time to get calories into him.  When he does decide to get snacking I try to get as much as I can into him while he's on a role. 

For me, snacks should be healthy.  One thing that I stay far away from is anything advertised on television.  Last night I saw that ad for Begg'n strips again.  It is probably one of the most annoying ads that there is on tv and worst things that you can give your dog.  Read the ingredients.  I often find myself on a reading mission.  Of course I do not buy treats from the big box stores; the treats they carry which are specifically made for dogs. 

Begg'n strip ingredients

Bacon & Cheese Flavor
Ingredients: Ground wheat, corn gluten meal, wheat flour, ground yellow corn, water, sugar, glycerin, soybean meal, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, bacon (preserved with sodium nitrite), salt, bacon fat (preserved with BHA), meat, phosphoric acid, sorbic acid (a preservative), dried cheese powder, calcium propionate (a preservative), natural and artificial smoke flavors, added color (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1).

Milkbone is another one that you want to skip in the cookie/treat department.  Many of the low grade treats and snacks are preserved with BHA.  Read about it here on a great article:

Dog Food Advisor - BHA A Time Bomb? 

The above ingredient list tells a story of garbage; not something that our dogs should be eating. 

Luke and Elsa love bacon but like us, they only eat the kind that is not preserved with nitrites.  Real food is good for us and good for our dogs.  Don't buy into the whole "people food" idea that many vets and dog food companies try to brain wash us with.  Real food is real food, for us and for our dogs.  Snacks or treats can consist of just that; a piece of chicken, cheese, liver or anything else. 

As far as I'm concerned you shouldn't buy any processed treats, snacks or cookies for your dog at the big box stores.  Before you head to the cash with that bag of treats in your hand, read the label.  

It's too high

We got a new bed recently; about a week and a half after Luke had made the transition to the floor.  His transition turned out to be perfect timing as the bed that arrived was much higher than our previous one; do to taking the old box springs out.  Our bed has a high frame so when we were calculating whether we should get the high or low profile box springs we chose the high.  I wasn't sure that the box would clear the frame; enabling me to make the bed easily.  The bed arrived and it seemed high.  It turned out to be about as high as our last bed with the box springs.  But, I found it just a tad high for Elsa to be jumping off of.  Funny how just a few inches can make a huge difference. 

I watched as Elsa flew onto the bed and then carefully assessed as she jumped off.  Most of the time I lift her off; I'm very use to lifting dogs off the bed.  But, I cannot always lift her off so there was going to be a lot of times that she was jumping off herself.  The two box springs were only 4" apart, so I wondered if that would make a difference.  I thought about high heels; there is a fine line in heel height.  A point where you have weight on both the front and back part of your foot; then just a fraction higher and all the weight goes to the front making the shoes horribly uncomfortable. 

With the high profile box, Elsa was having to jump straight down which I was not comfortable with.  Not when I thought about how many times she was going to jump off of that bed.  So I made the call and had the box springs switched out.  They arrived yesterday and yep, 4" makes a huge difference.  It has changed the angle in which she is jumping; making it a much more acceptable jump off. 

Great article on shoulder in Working dogs. 

Four inches changed the jump angle drastically.  She went from jumping straight down; which put most of the impact on her shoulder to jumping out and off normally.  The jump now is more outward.  After pondering about the bed height; I of course set off to research shoulders.  I found this very good article on rehab of agility shoulders and the one above. 

Canine shoulder rehab

Dogs are born to run, jump and dive.  But you must always take precautions on everything that they do.  4", who'd think that it would make such a difference?  Well, Luke sure did.  Last night he charged into the our room and right up on the bed.  He had not been jumping on the bed with the other box springs; he just stood looking.  I was surprised that he was able to judge the difference when it was barely visible for me.  Dogs, they are truly amazing. 

Fall weekend

 

The weather finally broke giving us a great first day of fall.  Penny was over for the weekend so, here you go.  Let the games begin. 

Sunday morning Luke lays on the couch with Penny's Mom as the girls carry on.

 

Both Penny and Elsa love the keep away games.

 

Pursuit of the bone.

 

The agenda is...just fun. 

 

Both chewing the bone.

 

A tennis ball is entirely different, Penny is only slightly interest.  Elsa on the other hand is a ball fiend.  Penny didn't have it for long.

 

 

Luke wants no part of the crazy games. 

 

Happy ball girl. 

 

What a face.

 

Sometimes doing nothing is just beautiful. 

 

Saturday evening the bubbles came out.  Elsa was hooked on the game very quickly.  Penny?  She ran from the bubbles. 

 

A fraction of a second before the bubble was burst.

 

Post burst. 

 

A great Sunday morning. 

 

Have a great week. 

Water

Water?  Duh, of course our dogs need water.  But are they getting enough water, maybe too much?  Both of my dogs are good water drinkers.  Luke likes to drink, you can just see that he enjoys and nice fresh bowl of water.  Elsa, is more a drink for a purpose sort of gal.  Drinking is good; Tilley was a horrible drinker.  That is if we were out somewhere; she only liked to drink at home which just wasn't enough when we were out frisbeeing or doing some other sort of activity .  We did several events where I actually had to leave because she just wouldn't drink.  That turned around quickly; with a few firm words she learned to drink when I asked her to drink.  It is very, very important. 

Dogs need approximately 1oz of water per pound of body weight each day. 

The importance of drinking water goes up a huge degree when your dog eats dry kibble.  Why?  Because your dog is not getting any moisture from the food that they are eating.  A dog's vital organs need water to help them work properly.  The more dry food they eat, it stands to reason that they need more fluid, right?  The difference in water consumption between a dog who eats dry kibble vs. canned or real food is astonishing.  Our dog's bodies  need water to help their food go to where it needs to go in their body.  Water is also used in the elimination of waste in their body; without enough water wastes can build up and organs can become damaged. 

Water - Pet Md

Luckily most dogs like to drink.   But if your dog does not drink enough you can slip it in here and there.  If my guys eat dog food it always has water on it.  Always.  If we are going out for a walk where there will not be a water source then I bring my own.  I have four water bowls around the house and try to keep them changed at least once or twice daily.  The kitchen bowl is used the most as that is where I'm at most of the time.  It is changed several times a day; Luke and Elsa like very fresh water.  They get water after their morning walk once they are in the car and look forward to it.  Luke looks so forward to it that I can barely get the top off of the water bottle quickly enough for him. 

If you do carry water with you when out and about with a portable bowl; make sure that you offer the water low enough.  I see so many people giving their dog water up in the air.  You can literally hear the air going in and gurgling around in their stomach.  Hold it down near the ground or just a few inches up.  You do not want a ton of water and air in your dog's stomach. 

Water - the most neglected nutrient (dog food advisor)

Like anything else in life, moderation.  Do not allow your dog to over drink; some dogs can be compulsive with their drinking.  Spread it out over the day.  The reason you hear not to feed your dog before or after exercise is the water consumption.  With too much water going in; it can quickly turn a bowl of food into a huge stomach full of water and kibble soup in your dog's stomach, not good.  

I highly recommend not allowing your dog to drink from public bowls.  Yes it is nice to see when shop owners put out bowls of water for our dogs but they can quickly become germ filled offerings.  The same with the dog park, beach or anywhere else that other dogs are drinking.  Shared bowls is never a good idea.  Have you seen the water after your dog has just one drink out of clean bowl of water?  Backwash, big time. 

Teach your dog to drink when you are out and to drink out of many different containers.  I have a collapsible bowl that goes with me on walks; a fabric folding one in the car and both Luke and Elsa will drink out of my hand if needed. 

If you feed raw, real or canned food then your dog's water needs will be less that those eating kibble.  But all dogs need water; is yours getting enough? 

Calories

Calories, calories..... we've learned to hate them haven't we?  "It better be worth the calories" is a common phrase heard around the world.  Calories have become a bad word in our quest for the perfect body weight world.  Of course there are good and bad calories.  But calories are a much needed thing in the whole spectrum of running a body.  For our dogs it means energy.  We need calories and so do our dogs. 

Finding the perfect amount of calories all depends on quality of calories and movement.  Quality calories are made up of foods that a body can use; nutrient filled.  Those calories are eaten, digested and utilized as fuel for energy.  If you do not feed enough of the appropriate species calories then your dog will suffer in the energy department.  What our dog's bodies cannot use for fuel will be evacuated for you to pick up.  I remember seeing a National Geographic video on digestion years and years ago.  It made a huge impact on me.   Through the use of a tiny camera, food was followed through a body.  You could see how each step utilized the nutrition of the food.  It most definitely made me think about the fuel that our body needs to just run, let alone run well. 

Think of that when you put food down for your dog.  How much of that food will be taken and turned into energy?  How much will end up in your backyard as waste?  I'm not a numbers sort of gal; I am a visual person.  Calories for me are seen, not calculated.  I don't use a scale for myself; I rely on the tightness of my pants to remind me to cut back.  For my dogs, I go by feel.  I just noticed yesterday that Elsa has lost a few pounds.  With it being lizard season she has been constantly on lizard watch.  So, she needs more calories at this time of year.  Calorie intake requirements factor in dog size and activity level.  The link below is a great and easy way to give you a general range. 

Stombeck's Home prepared food - calorie chart

I see fat dogs all the time and I hear people saying "I don't feed that much."  They may not be feeding a huge amount but they are either feeding the wrong kind of food or their dog isn't moving enough.  The whole secret of losing weight is moving.  Often a reduction in food is not required; only more movement. 

Article on Weight Management from The Bark magazine.

Funny how we have been programmed to look at a piece of cake and think calories.  But we don't look at a plate of fish and a salad and think calories.  Calories are calories; there are good and bad.  But calories in the true sense of the word are not a bad thing.  Our bodies and our dog's bodies need calories.  The form those calories take is the important part.  Yes, you can have too many or too little; good or bad calories.  Finding the perfect combination of quality and quantity of calories can take a little while to figure out.  Calorie charts are a very general ball park as far as what your dog needs.  Movement and metabolism will factor in the rest. 

I remember as Tilley and Jessie got well into their golden years; having to cut back on their food intake a great deal.  Much more so for Tilley than Jessie though.  Tilley had always been a very active girl but she did have a tendency to carry a little extra weight.  So as she slowed down her food requirements became much less.  The food quality was not changed, just the quantity.  More weight on a old body is very taxing. 

Ohio State University - body conditioning chart

Calories are not the enemy, garbage food is the enemy.  "Empty calories," a body cannot use are just using up space in the backyard.  Go for the good ones that your dog's body will use in their day to day activity. 

Protein

As an avid weight lifter I know the importance of protein for muscle growth.  The other day I wondered what the actual numbers were for protein as far as dog are concerned.  What I found after much research is that there is no easy answer.   Much of the information out there is for protein in dog food which is measured by a percentage.  Whereas our protein requirements are measured in grams.  Measuring protein by percentage is assuming that all proteins are alike.  So I dug deeper. 

Much of what goes into dog food is unusable by our dog's bodies.  Of course the better the food you choose the better the ingredients.   But how do you know what is a good food and what is not?  Well, like I wrote yesterday, I'd stay away from the big guys first.  Next read the ingredient label.  This may sound easy but it is not.  Here is a great article on how to read the ingredient label. 

Reading the label

What I found after much reading was that dogs generally need 2 grams of high biologic protein per kg of body weight.  (Merck Veterinary Manual) High biologic protein refers to animal protein that can be used nutritionally.  Beaks, hooves and hair contain protein but are very low as far as usability.  They are not utilized well as they are digested.  They contain less value for a dog nutritionally. 

Trying to figure out the actual high biologic amount of protein in dog food is a difficult task.  There is the list of ingredients to decipher, moist content, actual protein ingredient to attempt to figure out and more.  Whereas the amount of protein you give to a dog fed in it's real form is a much easier task.  That said, most people feed dog food so when you do; do your research.  Do not take the percentage rates on the bag as a whole truth, dig. 

protein chart

Our bodies need protein to build and maintain muscle.  Of course there are other things involved as well, like exercise and other nutrients.  But protein is a big part of building muscle.  The more one exercises the more protein they require.  But even in quality proteins, they are not all alike.  The chart listed above will let you know what contains the most percentage per weight. 

The dog food project  This is a great link if you want to delve further.  About amino acids, protein etc. 

I could go on and on and get very scientific but I prefer to leave that to those who want to do the research.  I have listed several good links but there are more, you just have to dig.  There is much more to nutrition and muscle growth than just protein but protein is a big part.  Are we shorting our dogs?  I think much of the time.  Muscle will not grow without proper fuel and exercise, they go hand in hand.  We have been duped for far too long as far as feeding our dogs.  Time to look into it and see what you come up with. 

We eat what we eat and don't think much of it correct?  Yet when it comes to our dogs we must read the labels and try to figure out what is really in the bag.  Keep it simple, the fewer ingredients the better, just like your own food.  The big companies who are spending literally millions on advertising campaigns are not spending it on quality ingredients.  Next time you see a big ad on television for a new dog food or human food for that matter, think. 

You are what you eat

Yesterday's blog was a repost about toxic algae.  It is a post that I like to put out there every year in hopes I that it might save a dog or two.  Before I read about a dog losing it's life to it; I'd never head of toxic algae.  Please tell anyone you know about it. 

The rest of the week I want to round out with nutrition.  We are what we eat; is the saying right?  I was in Target yesterday picking up a few things and walked past the pet section.  Funny, I'm so into dogs; but that is one area I've only visited once in the past.  That one time was to read ingredients and since then, I haven't been back.  I don't check out the dog section in the grocery store and the only dog stuff I check out at Costco are the beds.  Why?  Because what they sell is crap.  Bottom line.

When I see an advertisement on television for a new food product I make a mental note, do not buy.  Yep, it goes against everything that those companies are planning but I am not buying what they are selling.  I have bought several dog food brands over the years that were scooped up by the big conglomerates.  Once they move to the big leagues, everything changes.  Quality goes down, quantity goes up and typically the prices goes down as well.  I see this in human and dog food. 

I don't buy food or anything else in the big pet stores either.  I like the small stores, the ones who do their research and care what they sell.  Oh no, there are not a lot of them out there.  But they are worth finding.  I have one not far from me and it is where I go when I need dog food.  The owners research and have very high standards.  They can tell me just about anything I ask as far as food goes.  It's really nice to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about.  Think the kid behind the counter at Petco or Petsmart knows about nutrition?  I think not. 

The more you research the more you find, the more you find the more you have to research.  Of course that is only if you have an inquiring mind.  Not everyone wants to know, nor do they care what is good and bad in food.  A bag of dog food is a bag of dog food and that is all they need to know.  That's fine, but if you want what is best for your dog; stay out of the big box stores.  Don't buy food or treats there; because there you will not find quality.  Although you will most definitely find quantity. 

They wouldn't sell stuff that is bad for our dogs right?  I remember having this conversation with my son years ago about organic food.  He didn't see the reason to buy organic and stood strong on his belief that the FDA would not knowingly allow toxins in our food.  Well that son of mine is the biggest health food person that I know now.  With a little research, knowledge and more research he has discovered some truths about food. 

I am in no way telling you what to feed or buy for your dog.  But if you are concerned with health and nutrition, read the label.  What's in that bag of grub you've bought for your best friend? 

Tomorrow's blog will be on protein and muscle growth. 

There's a monster in the park.

             Canine etiquette; first you greet, then you play.  Skipping the greeting stage can lead
             to all sorts of misconception and trouble. 


Elsa and I were just finishing up our evening walk and were headed to the Xterra.  Up ahead I could see some folks sitting with their dogs and chatting.  A man with a dog was walking by and two small dogs came out to say hi to his dog and they looked to be having a nice time.  As we walked up the two dogs were called and I told them "she's friendly."  I wanted these nice little dogs to interact with Elsa.  So many small dogs are not friendly; and it can really leave an impression on a dog after being snapped at so many times.  The owners told them okay and I dropped Elsa's leash.  The three were interacting very nicely when a large black dog charged over that I hadn't even seen in the group of people.  With no greeting, hello or how are ya;s; she started to chase Elsa. 

At first it was just a very assertive approach to sniff and as Elsa tried to move away the dog chased.  Soon Elsa was running with the dog chasing her.  Elsa's rear end was about as tucked as it can be as I called out to her.  It is hard for a dog to hear anything when they are in a fear mode.  I continued calling her; I remained calm as there was no need to panic.  It all happened so fast that I find myself trying very hard to remember it all.  Then she screamed; Elsa let out a noise that I'd never heard before.  She was very scared.

Finally she turned and ran into the group of people for safety.  I walked over calmly and picked up her leash.  Everyone knew that Elsa was scared and I immediately made the decision to stay a while.  I asked again "she's friendly right?"  As it was difficult for me to read the dog myself.  Yes she had chased Elsa but it hadn't seemed aggressive; assertive yes but not aggressive.  They said "oh yes, very friendly."  Then they told me she just be charging around with some dogs; so I guess she thought that she'd just start up again.  But she hadn't even met Elsa before and I am sure that Elsa really didn't even know what this dog was.  It was a Bouvier des Flandres in full clip which means that she had no face and no tail as far as communication is concerned.  Elsa could not see the dogs eyes, or read her very short tail.  She was very full coated which meant that there was little other body language to read.  All Elsa knew was that this giant black monster was after her. 

So why did I not get on my high horse and head out after the incident?  Association.  I have worked too hard and too long to have it all come undone in one chance meeting.  The owner of the dog stayed seated, oblivious to there being a situation.  A very nice woman with another dog herself; grabbed the Bouvier's leash so that Elsa could get her composure.  I remained completely calm through the ordeal; surprisingly because I am a grizzle bear of an overprotective Mom.  But what Elsa needed now was; well thought out situational modification through precise manipulation indicative to creating positive association.  She did not need her Mother enforcing her fear by leaving in a panic.   We were not leaving on a negative, we had to stay for a while and the most important part was that I remain calm.  It may not be a warm and fuzzy moment but we had to stay.

I had Elsa's leash in my hand, we kept the monster at bay.  Once the monster realized that I had treats then she was happy to just sit and stare at me, waiting.   Elsa kept glancing at the Bouvier from the corner of her eye.  She was most definitely interested as she skirted around the woman and had a sniff of the monster.  It had all happened so fast that I'm sure Elsa was thinking "wt*."  She continued to have interested but was very wary if the monster looked at or approached her.  The Bouvier had very bad canine manners as did one of the other dogs there which I have actually written about before.  A very nice but oblivious Labrador.  She is very sweet but in your face and Elsa does not like in your face until she knows you. 

Elsa is one of the best dog readers I know.  When in doubt she hangs back; but this situation gave her nothing to go on.  Imagine you were on a walk and Sasquatch came charging out of the woods at you.  You'd turn and run, that's all you would do; well you might scream too.  Allowing your dog to do this is just wrong; if our dog's don't have manners we must teach them some.  That or keep your dog on a leash until it is okay to run and play.  Dogs with good communication skills would meet first, play bow or bounce; wait for a reciprocated communication and then charge off playing.  Elsa reacted very fearfully by running but; she could have very well turned and attacked in fear.  I am glad that she did not attack; it would have made the situation much more difficult to work with. 

Over the last two years I have sifted through dogs for interaction purposes.  I have tried to keep them all positive with a small amount of not so great just for learning sake.  This is the moment that I was working up to; the one that was not great.  With all the positive behind her, the hope is that this will not leave such a huge impression.  So we will head to the park again.  I will be ready this time and I will shout up ahead to keep the monster on a leash.  No doubt Elsa will remember.  Dogs simply don't forget.  One sniff and a dog has you in their memory bank.  We will keep it short and sweet and leave on a positive.  (Quit while you are ahead)  Maybe, just maybe the monster and Elsa will become good friends. 

Feel free to ask questions about dealing with a situation like this. 

BABIES

"You can see our puppies," the head of rescue said.  "What?" I replied.  When I arrived midday on Tuesday, to photograph some Greyhounds for Hemopet; I had no idea that I would be seeing Greyhound puppies.  I was shocked and so were they; when one of their rescues arrived pregnant.  A first for the facility.  A first but oh so amazing and wonderful.  Puppies.  

 

These beautiful puppies were born and raised at Hemopet.  After their Mother came in as a rescue they discovered that she was pregnant.  I'm thinking that these puppies landed in heaven for somewhere to start off.  Round the clock care and tons of socializing. 

Imagine my excitement?  I have never worked with a Greyhound puppy, never photographed a Greyhound puppy; heck I've never even seen one before.  At twelve weeks of age they resembled large, big boned Italian Greyhounds with very big feet.  

 

With the rarity of the event; these puppies were all spoken for before they hit the ground.  The puppies were temperament tested and placed in the most optimal home for each individual, nice.  They all go home to very excited families this Saturday. 

After photographing some of the adults; I got my chance to meet the babies.  It's a good thing that all of these babies have homes to go to on the weekend.  That is all I'm saying.  

Greyhounds all have different ear sets; some have both up, one up, both down etc.  This little one's ears just popped up.  

Of course there was much puppy play to watch.  

Lots of chomping on each other.

Someone needed a nap.

This bush in the middle of their play area seemed to be a favorite spot to hide.

Honestly, I mean honestly.

What a cheeky pup.

Just adorable.

Another adorable face.  It's almost unreal how cute these little faces are.  Greyhounds come in a huge array of color and mix of colors.  Within the brindle spectrum is a whole range of markings and base color.  It is very interesting to see the differences.  

As well as hiding under, bushes are good to have a chew on.  

 

Another day to remember.  :)  A special thanks to Betty for letting me experience and photograph the litter. 

 

Three years ago I photographed and published a book on the rescue Greyhounds of Hemopet.  100% of the profit from the books go to help the dogs of Hemopet.

 

You can see it here, Rescue Greyhounds

9/11

We will never forget.

Honoring the canines heros of 9/11