Blog Posts

Christmas Ghosts

12/20/2023

This past week, while having a bout of insomnia, I watched the Patrick Stewart version of "A Christmas Carol." I hadn't seen this particular version before, although the older rendition has been a part of my Christmases for many years, and I did read the Dickens story in high school.

Everyone has their own way to approach the season. When our family was much larger, we'd spend much of our time decorating, baking, cooking, shopping, sending Christmas cards and wrapping gifts. All of it would culminate in a late night church service on Christmas Eve, followed by a morning of discovering what was in all those brightly-wrapped boxes under the tree.

As our human family dwindled over the years, our pet family grew. Our pets have always been an important and cherished part of our lives, and most took part in the Christmas holidays with gusto.

The Ghosts of Christmas Past

We may all bring the ghosts of Christmas into our hearts during the holiday season. It's hard NOT to think of friends, family and pets that have transitioned to spirit, especially if they were an integral part of celebrating Christmas.

For me, remembering family members and pets in special ways is important, whether it's burning a votive candle on their angel days, or looking through old photographs to spark memories, like the one below. This is where photographs become so very important in our lives.

The photo below became our Christmas card many years ago, featuring our dog, Burton. Burton was born deaf, but was a most willing participant in antler-wearing and would sit quietly just about anywhere if a treat was involved. I still have a few of these cards stored away in a "past cards" box, and every Christmas I go through the box to look back on the (mostly) pets featured.

It's kind of fitting that I am writing this blog on December 21st, which is the day we lost our lovely Moe. December is a month that could easily weigh our hearts down, due to pet and people losses. But, instead, we choose to celebrate their lives by remembering moments like the one below.

Our little deaf field setter, Burton, wearing his Christmas antlers.

The Ghosts of Christmas Present

Every one of our present dog family have been featured in our holiday lives in some way. Talley loves the outdoors and snow, so I try to capture her there. Lilah likes sending letters to Santa when she isn't whining about something. Luke's cute-as-a-button nose has been gracing the entrance to my studio since the photo was taken in 2016 (it's an acrylic), and both Billie and Piper have had their 15 minutes of fame (Billie is on my present business Christmas card to clients; Piper is Mr. May in our 2024 family calendar and has appeared in every family calendar since 2014).

Having just spent one of the busiest Christmas client seasons, capturing these same types of memories for families who love their dogs (my orders are all finalized and all will arrive in time for Christmas), it's the time of year when my grandkids are also featured in a studio Christmas photo (sometimes with one of our pets).

I often let them decide how they want to set up the photo, but my favorites are always the out takes, which I normally use on our personal Christmas card. This year, we went sans pet and opted for a large candy cane.

(Click on photos below to view them in a larger size.)

My grandkids have come to expect a Christmas memory, and that's a good thing.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come

While we can't stop time from encroaching upon our strongholds of people and pets, we can use time to move us forward and learn new things.

Adding to an arsenal of already accumulated knowledge there are plenty of classes, both online and in person, that have peaked my interest.

Artificial Intelligence in no longer just "on the horizon." It has sailed into port. It's something I will be experimenting with in coming months, along with my new mirrorless camera.

But, most importantly, Christmas yet to come will see more building of a "family" of clients, making their experiences good ones, and giving them memories to last for many Christmases into the future.

A black and white AI enhanced image of Lilah using a very old image.

Have a Merry

I am sending you happy and merry holiday wishes for whatever holiday you celebrate. Make sure you capture those special moments of the season, and if you haven't already, make a plan to visit a professional photographer and have them help you create lasting memories for your walls.

Merry Christmas!

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A Little Bit of Sparkle

12/14/2023

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There is no doubt in my mind that Christmas, and the holiday season in general, is full of glowing, sparkling, twinkling things.

Full of lights, candles, glittery decorations, and bright colors (like silver and gold), our eyes can find sparkle in almost every corner. It certainly is a different time in the studio as well.

Holiday Season Studio Prep

With a wide variety of backdrops accumulated over the years, I am ready for just about any scenario. I allow the clients to select their favorite from a list, and then work to "set up" a scene based on their selection.

I really don't do holiday mini sessions. I want to spend time with each client, and make their experience special, unrushed, and fun. I open my studio to holiday photos every November 1st, and run through the second week of December for ordering purposes, but will often take in clients as needed beyond that timeframe.

The results, as my grandkids and my own pets can attest, are full of sparkle and joy!

My grandkids modeling in a Christmas backdrop.

Grandkids have fun every year in a new scene.

Yes, I am one of THOSE grandmothers, who puts her grandkids to work acting as models for backdrops. Now, they can't wait until a new backdrop comes in, so they can help create the scenario!

Pets Sparkle Too!

I decided to look back through my photos in Decembers past and found some sparkly activity that took place in the studio, with both my pets and others. Here is a small sample.

Prepping Your Pet for Sparkling Photos

I often meet concerned pet owners who wonder if their pet will be able to "behave" long enough for a photo session. I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to allow me the THREE SECONDS required for the perfect photo, and I am used to working with pets who come from ALL training levels, from "none" to obedience grand masters.

Studio sessions are perfect for dogs who may be reactive to other pets. It's quiet, enclosed, friendly, and there is plenty of patience to go around while your dog investigates his/her surroundings in the studio. Unlike rushed-line mini sessions in public places, you can be assured your pet will settle into the studio, and have plenty of time to do so.

Bring your pet's favorite treat along, as I use them (sparingly) to make him/her feel right at home.

If you have a favorite holiday collar, and would like it showcased, bring that along, too. I normally do not do gimmicky clothing shots, as they distract from the beauty of your pet, but I am okay with antlers or a Santa hat or festive ruff.

There is a certain magic about the season for sure. If you'd like to explore some magical photo sessions in a great environment, with your choice of backdrops and PLENTY of time to give your pet a feeling of comfort and security, let's make it happen.

I have holiday photos of all of our pets for lasting memories into the future. I know they are not going to be with me forever, so I also have their photographs made into ornaments. Every year I see our studio creations come to life on our Christmas tree.

I hope each of you have the merriest, happiest, most sparkly and best holiday--whatever you celebrate! Enjoy!

Christmas photos turned into metal ornaments.

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Treats and Photography

11/29/2023

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Our grandchildren decided they wanted a Christmas photo with our dog, Talley, last year.

It was a riotous occasion.

Luckily, Talley is very treat oriented...for that matter, so are the kids. I find a good treat and food-oriented dog, can help to get attention when things get out of hand. But, there can be some drawbacks. Read on.

What Treats Exactly?

While I am not a treat-tester, I can tell you that our Talley girl has an extremely sensitive stomach. Since she was young, I have been very careful to try out a treat in a small quantity to see what her response will be. Talley eats a special diet and four small meals a day. It is no picnic when her stomach goes awry, so I am very careful.

That being said, I have found two treats that work very well for her, and that other dogs I have worked with and photographed seem to respond to and like as well.

Newman's Own Snack Sticks are great attention grabbers. They are smelly treats (not for us, but definitely for the dogs), and the sticks are easy to break into small pieces, which I do. I can get five smaller pieces from one snack stick to use in a session. They also fit well in my dog lure stick.

The great thing about these treats is not only their ability to become "smaller," but also the fact that they are low in calories. For some overweight dogs, extra treats are not always the best thing, but with the snack sticks, there are no worries of high added caloric intake.

They are also "clean" treats. You can pocket them, and you will have no sticky, gooey mess to clean out of those pockets.

By the way, this lure stick is awesome. It works great for training purposes as well, especially if you have a dog that pulls while walking. I use it in the studio a lot when photographing dogs.

Newman's Own Snack Sticks are grain free and come in a variety of flavors. If you ever have a problem with any product from Newman's (sometimes the distribution chain can be cruel for products that do not use strong preservatives, especially if not stored properly before sale), Newman's will take care of you and send you replacements.

Best of all, Newman's Own really does donate profits to charity.

Buddy Biscuits and Softies

Another great, low-in-calorie treat that is a favorite of mine is Buddy Biscuits. Specifically, I use the soft treats. The bag says it all: free of corn, soy, artificial flavors and colors, because we don't need to add any of these to a dog's diet.

Talley will do anything for a Buddy Biscuit peanut butter treat. So will any of the dogs in our household, for that matter.

Treat Moratorium

A while back I wrote a blog about the use and non-use of treats as part of what I do. Treats have to be managed well if used at all in a session.

I don't like to be dependent on them. They are more for reward, rather than to elicit a certain type of activity.

For instance, Talley does not receive a treat until she has performed some type of activity. In the studio, she will wait for the pop of the strobe, then leave her spot and come to me, sit, then receive a treat. She will then go back to her spot and wait for the next strobe.

Of course, client dogs have not grown up in a studio, and I don't expect this same behavior from them. But, I still like to manage the handing out of any treats, and keep it to a minimum (as needed).

Problems With Treats

Here are some of the reasons why I would prefer minimal treat usage in sessions:
(1) They promote drooling in some dogs
(2) Depending on the breed, treats can discolor the facial and mouth hair of dogs
(3) Dogs generally make a really strange facial expression when a treat is expected
(4) Dogs may focus on the treat more than the camera

Of course, in a session where a dog is expected to CATCH the treat as part of a photo, a crazy expression is a goal. But in all other portrait work, it's best to manage treats well.

To schedule a well-managed treat session with your dog, give me a call. I am right in the middle of holiday photo season, which is always a REAL TREAT for me!

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Grateful Thankful Blessed

11/22/2023

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I've taken a few weeks away from blog writing in order to keep up with my client work and family obligations. Both have been rewarding.

But, there are a few things I'd like to mention in the grateful-thankful-blessed scheme of things, so I've set aside this week's blog to focus on them.

Grateful For Families

I am grateful for all the families I met this year, who include their dogs in every facet of their lives, including this wonderful family, whose dog was a welcome part of their business holiday card portrait.

I can tell you that this boy loved loved loved his family and was so well trained it was a joy to work with him. Now if only the kids liked duck calls.

Thank you to all the beautiful families who trusted me to produce memories by the truckload this year!

Thankful For Good Outcomes

Since early June we have been dealing with senior dog and some horse health issues, and vet visits were plentiful over the course of the summer and into September for two of our dogs in particular. Both are 13 years old this year.

Thankfully, our group of great vets set protocols and testing that gave us insight into these issues, and helped us to decide on courses of action that ultimately led to success for all concerned.

At this writing, our Billie girl, has bounced back completely...(knock on something wooden). I chose her to be the model for my business holiday card this year, to celebrate the victory we've had over liver disease and IMHA.

By the way, this beautiful digital backdrop was designed by a fellow photography friend, Reinford Photography. Isn't it stunning! I have already used several different digital backdrop designs in cards for clients for the upcoming holiday season.

Blessed

I have been blessed this season to win several awards for my photography work. Most recently at Capture 2023, a Professional Photographers Association of Pennsylvania (PPAofPA) print competition held every Fall.

Our dog Talley is featured in the photo which won the Best Animal Portrait trophy. Talley will really do anything for food, and as she has been a part of my studio since she was three months old, she knows her way around lights and a set. Talley actually created this portrait herself...completely her idea.

Unscholarly Activity - Best Animal Portrait, Capture 2023

At this same competition, I also won a Judge's Choice Award for one of my illustrative nature portraits. Titled "Suspended," this is one of my favorite images taken this past summer. Chosen from 160 entries, this award means a lot to me.

I always feel very blessed for having this creative outlet to turn to in my life. It's given me an eye that doesn't miss much, and when it comes to life, we really don't want to miss anything.

Suspended - Judge's Choice Award, Capture 2023

My hope is that everyone reading this has a great Thanksgiving, and that you can find the things in your life that you are grateful for, thankful for, and blessed with as the year approaches its end.

Enjoy!

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Good Lenses for Great Bokeh

11/9/2023

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First, let's get this debate out of the way.

I could listen to this 50 times, and still have trouble pronouncing it when I go to say the word. Minor issue, I know, but if you are like me, you want to know how to pronounce things.

To Bokeh or Not To Bokeh? That Is the Question.

When I first started practicing my photography with 40 - 50 photos a day (snap, download, examine), with my 50mm 1.8 lens on a Nikon D300, many times I would strive to achieve bokeh--that creamy out of focus background that leaves your subject as the center of attention. Many times I would not be successful.

Often, I would capture small round circles of blurry light.

Chickens are not very cooperative subjects.

As my skills and knowledge increased, I realized that there was a huge difference between traditional bokeh and specular highlights (thank you Professional Photographers of America). We wanted the first, but not the latter. Especially if using any photographs in print competition.

That's when I did a multitude of research on various lenses, purchased a camera upgrade and began to achieve the objective pretty regularly.

My Favorite Bokeh Lenses

While you can achieve adequate bokeh with just about any prime portrait lens, my favorites are the 135mm and 85mm focal lengths. When you open up your aperture all the way, the resulting bokeh is creamy dreamy.

Here is a cute little Jack Russell Terrier taken with an 85mm lens at f2.8.

Jack Russell Terrier in Fall foliage.

The quality of this lens for background bokeh is great and reliable. It is not, however, a fast lens, and although I have taken action shots with it, I much prefer my 70-200mm for action.

The 135mm lens has been suggested to be the queen (or king?) of quality bokeh. The photo below is representative of the 135mm, with an aperture of f2.8.

Border Collie in Fall foliage.

Wall art for sure, don't you think?

There really is nothing like good glass to make your job easier, and to give clients wonderful photographs to treasure for years to come. But, in saying that I am not saying you can simply rely on these lenses to get you to a quality photo. Nope. Nope. Nope.

You also have to experiment, practice, know your camera, know when to use one lens over another, think about composition, have appropriate lighting, and tie all that together for a lovely portrait.

I personally love this look, but print comp judges may not. This is a look I create for clients and not for competition. Fall foliage is a great backdrop for exciting bokeh effects, so many of my Fall shots give way to creamy backgrounds.

If you are interested in some great wall art, with creamy bokeh backgrounds, there are other seasons coming up that lend themselves well to this type of photograph, including snow season and spring blooms season. Give me a call to schedule your appointment!

Have a great weekend! Go for a walk and look at the light through the trees. I'll just bet you will find bokeh there!

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What Color Is Halloween?

10/25/2023

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There are many colors associated with different times of the year, and different celebrations.

For instance, I say February...Valentine's Day...and you probably think RED hearts. Christmas? Some might say red and green, others could go with silver and gold.

When it comes to Halloween (and the Fall in general), there is one color that really stands out for me.

ORANGE

It's that whole pumpkin vibe.

But not only pumpkins. If you live in a spot where leaves turn colors, a very vibrant orange shows itself among the reds and yellows found in many wooded areas. Our sugar maples do a brilliant job of surrounding us with an orange glow.

Orange is really a color that doesn't get much press.

And then there's the debate on what came first, the fruit or the color, and was the orange named after the color, or was it the other way around? Not something we can solve here.

ORANGE CAST

I sometimes like to use an orange cast overlay in the Fall, to highlight a particular scene.

You can really pick up the feel of the season.

Since orange is a WARM COLOR, it lends itself to great wall art. I will often use the same technique in a number of photos, always thinking about images that would make wonderful pairings, complementing each other when hung.

To me, orange is a very earthy color.

Did you know that some Eastern religions regard orange as a sacred color? Orange is associated with purity, as it represents fire, and fire burns impurities away.

Orange is a high-energy, energetic color.

Life would be dull without orange.

Orange is one of the most dynamic colors to use in photography, conveying enthusiasm and confidence. It reminds us of sunsets, warmth and fire. The color orange can lift your spirit and give you a feeling of optimism.

Now, orange you glad you read this blog?

To set up your orange experience, give me a call (570) 575-1705, or use the Contact Form on this website.

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Photos For All Seasons

10/18/2023

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We happen to live in a spot that goes through the change of all four seasons. Spring, summer, fall and winter.

Lately, those seasons have either followed their stereotypical patterns...or not. It's anybody's guess sometimes what exactly the weather will be. Even our local weather persons are prone to do broad scale guessing: "snow between 3 - 27 inches," "rain and spotty showers depending on your location," "sunny and 80 for most of the day." See, no definitives.

It makes for some interesting times. I am CONSTANTLY watching the weather, so that client appointments can pretty much occur when we set the date and time. I always build in another "weather" day, just in case.

FOUR SEASONS FOUR PHOTOS

My favorite thing to do, is to take pet photos in every season and put them into wall art. It's a great alternative for dog owners, and doesn't necessarily have to occur in back-to-back years. After all, the seasons each have their own color palette. I've written about the different seasons and colors many times as part of the blog circle. Let me show you what I mean using the example of my own dog, Talley.

SPRING

Spring is a great time of year. It's VERRRRY green. That green is peppered with new birth--springtime blooms. It's a great time of year to find a non-rainy day and head to flowering locations, or even your own back yard. Above, Talley is lost in deep thought on a path full of azalea bushes and bushy grass.

SUMMER

Summer is my absolute favorite time of year. Bright sunshine, and fields overgrown with Queen Anne's Lace and Goldenrod can't be beat for capturing a Setter like Talley. But, there's also water options as well, for those that like to swim or fetch or just look for frogs in the pond.

FALL

By now you are starting to see the differences in the color palettes, and the affects those colors have on a dog's coat and overall ambiance. Of course in Fall, we have those red, yellow and orange glows not only in the leaves, but also in the background reflections.

WINTER

When the snow hits, it's time for fun. Whether your dog is an expert sledding companion, or just likes to root through the snow with his or her nose, there are plenty of great photos to be had in Winter. Talley LOVES the snow and especially likes snow tunnels that she can run through at a fast clip.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

All four seasons captured during your pet's life can make for beautiful memories, and stunning wall art. Canvas or Art Blocks are my choice for wall groupings. Why am I telling you this?

NEW IN 2024

With the New Year brings new things!

I will be offering the "Season Sessions" photo package, specifically designed to capture your dog in all four of our Pennsylvania seasons. The package will include four 30-minute sessions, with flexible scheduling, up to four locations, and four 10 x 10 (one of each session) Art Blocks. Art Blocks are colorful canvas-like prints shipped ready-to-hang, and mounted wrapped around a wooden, solid face frame giving a sharp, clean edge with no loosening or sagging over time.

Art Block samples can be viewed at my studio. They are true quality pieces, and a great way to honor your best furry friend.

For more information, give me a call, or check my website in the New Year for Season Sessions Package pricing under the Investment tab.

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Beautiful Bullies

10/11/2023

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Shelter dog after playing in the snow.

Bullies are very expressive dogs.

I love to photograph expressive dogs.

When it comes to wonderful expressions, I am never disappointed while photographing any of the bully breeds or bully mixes. Their soulful eyes, large grins, and talking ears are great ingredients for constructing a lovely portrait, like the one above of a shelter resident who loved playing in the snow.

Did you know that "Pit Bull" is not an official American Kennel Club breed? It's an overall grouping of dogs who belong to the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeds.

Here is a quick chart from dogsbestlife.com that gives you a look at what makes up various "bully" breeds.

Shelter Statistics

I think it would be safe to say that if you went to an animal shelter today to photograph dogs, a large percentage would fall under the bully or bully mix category.

Years ago this was also very true, and in my early days of shelter visits I met and photographed some beautiful bullies with extraordinary expressions.

The fact is, according to the World Animal Foundation, 32% of shelter dogs are those who fall under the category of "bully breeds." They also account for nearly 40% of all dogs euthanized in shelters on a yearly basis. Sobering facts.

One reason these statistics occur is, for many years backyard breeders overbred these types of dogs for easy cash, and unfortunately, in some cases, for nefarious purposes. The dogs began to be stigmatized and stereotyped based on these poor breeding situations, owners' lack of knowledge in training and/or poor training practices, and other preconceived notions and opinions applied to the entire population of bullies.

I know you've seen me blog this statement before, but I have never met a dog I didn't like, and I have never photographed a bully that wasn't happy, cooperative, playful, funny or beautifully expressive.

Expressive ears and rapt attention.

Tips for Some Great Ear Action

Need some great ear action when photographing your bully?

I find that sporting goods stores have the answer. Duck calls. There is something about the tonal quality of a duck call that really helps you obtain not only a head tilt (and undivided attention), but also VERY expressive ears. The one I carry in my camera bag is the Coolrunner Duck Whistle, $9.99 from Amazon. It's easy to use, can be hands free, and comes with its own string lanyard.

Have a beautiful bully that needs a great portrait? Give me a call.

In the meantime, have a great weekend and if you are in my part of the world, enjoy those colorful trees while you can!

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Staying Fit With Your Dog

10/6/2023

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Earlier this year (March), I wrote a blog on some of the best places you can take your dog for exercise. If you missed it, I recommend you catch up to 5 Best Places To Walk the Dog in the Endless Mountains. Again in June, I added Three Fantastic Local Dog Hikes to mull over.

Essentially I gave you plenty of places to get your fitness on. Today, I want to talk more about the types of fitness activities that benefit both you and your dog.

Safety First

I think it's important to note that not all dogs are ready to do a marathon or jog alongside a cycle from the word "go." Getting your dog to a prescribed fitness level, just like us humans, takes time. Start slowly and work up. Let your dog tell you how much and how intense your workouts should be. Watch for warning signs such as: excessive panting, pale or bright red gums, lagging behind a lot, vomiting/diarrhea, extreme soreness in the day after a workout.

Also, keep an eye on your weather. Stay away from the hottest times of the day in the summer (and pavement), making sure your dog is well hydrated. In the winter, booties can help alleviate ice/snow build up and exposure to road, trail or path salting for icey conditions.

Finally, bring plenty of water and a portable bowl for hydration breaks.

Fitness Options

1. Walking

Everyone can play this game. Walking is a great way to exercise, as well as build up to more intense levels of fitness work. When working with puppies, make sure you start slowly (15 minutes), working up to 30, then 40, then 1 hour. Remember, young puppies joints are not yet closed, and stressors can cause problems down the line.

2. Hiking

Dogs need plenty of stamina in order to hike. Terrain issues (steep hills, rocks, creeks, etc.) can tax your dog's energy reserves. Starting slow and on easy terrain is highly recommended, adding more strenuous hikes as your dog builds up their muscles and stamina.

3. Jogging

Once your walks have built up to a longer level, you might want to add jogging to your dance card. It is not recommend to jog dogs strenuously until they have reached the age of one (again, those pesky joints need to fully close), but if you have a very high energy dog, working up to a nice jog pace might be a good thing. Jogging is NOT recommended for overweight dogs or dogs with arthritis, as it does put a lot of pressure on joints. Also flat-faced dogs may struggle with their breathing. Closely monitor your dog or ask your vet for their input as to whether or not your dog is a good candidate for jogging.

4. Dog Agility

If you think humans do not get a good work out copiloting their dogs through an agility course, you have not experienced true agility training. It's DEFINITELY a workout! If your dog likes learning new tricks, running and jumping, check out agility training near you.

5. Frisbee

This is a great activity for dogs who like to fetch. We had a Golden Retriever named Ollie who was one of the best Frisbee playing dogs we ever owned. It really helped to keep Ollie's weight down. There are also Disc Dog events, for when your dog becomes STELLAR at frisbee catching! Last week I saw a boy playing frisbee golf at a local park, using his retriever to fetch the frisbee and bring it back to him. Bonus: you learn how to throw a frisbee, and get plenty of exercise in the process.

Whatever you decide to adopt as your fitness regimen, including your dog strengthens that bond between you, and allows them to remain healthy and fit for years to come.

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic (fitness), start here with Sandra of Sandra McCarthy Photography as she provides tips for Hiking in NH with your dog.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here, and have completed the circle.

Have a great weekend! Can you believe it's Fall? Where did the summer go?

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A Different Kind of Summer

9/15/2023

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As we approach the true end of summer on September 23, 2023 (official autumnal equinox date), I can say that this season has been different in so many ways.

Starting with a mini-drought of seven heat filled days between 88 - 95 degrees in June, and ending (it seems) with endless rain and storms, it's one for the record books, but not one for scrap booking.

Loss and Light

When you are a pet parent, you know there are going to be times when our pets are going to need our support in a big way.

I always hope that if one of our aged pets has to leave us, it would be in summer. I want them to be able to enjoy the green grass, warm days, sunlight, and freedom that summer brings.

For us humans, that additional daylight also helps our moods, and can whack depression upside the head. Loss in the winter is SO VERY DARK.

No Vacation For You

It became very apparent to me that summer vacations of any type would need to be put on hold when the health of three of our dogs (all over the age of 10) became an issue. You know how they say things come in threes? Well there IS something to that.

We lost our Danny just shy of summer--May 2023.

Danny enjoying the grass, summer of 2022.

The weather was unseasonably warm, and I am so glad he got to enjoy summer-like days before he left us. Danny was 13. He had degenerative myelopathy, diagnosed at age 10, so we had some years of grace time.

Just after, in June, our scruffy girl Billie's bloodwork came back with a clear diagnosis of Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) and liver disease. As if one isn't bad enough, there were two things to combat. (Billie is pictured on the Adirondack chair in the first image of today's blog).

I immediately began to research and talk to people who had experienced this type of diagnosis, and put into place a new diet, feeding, and supplement regimen for Billie. She had to return to the vet's office every two weeks for blood monitoring. Those visits were over the course of the entire summer, and have just recently ended, as Billie's blood and liver enzymes are in a stable holding pattern at the moment. She is mostly back to her old self, but with IMHA, you have to be vigilant. Billie is 13.

Not to be outdone, our rough-coat border collie, Piper, decided he'd throw a urinary tract infection into the mix. Both he and his urine had to visit the vet several times over the course of July and August.

Pet Parenting

I think each and every one of us has our own standards when it comes to being a pet parent. There really is no cause for judging others when it comes to what they will or won't, can or can't do in terms of their own lives and those of their pets.

For me, I just can't leave my animals when there is a problem, or even a hint of a problem. I want to be there should good turn to bad turn to worse, and to try to help combat whatever they are battling. So, vacation was out of the question for me this year, and I am happy to report that Piper is also stable with his health issue. Piper is also 13.

Still Had Fun

We still had fun this summer. Our grandkids came for a week of summer camp (both together for the very first time) and we survived and have the tee shirts to prove it.

The dogs and I summer-sunned ourselves when the weather cooperated, went on walks, binged some movies and series we have had on our watch lists forever, and generally took it easy.

Talley and I did a multitude of Therapy Dog visits at local facilities. Now, when I leave without her, she peers at me through the fence somewhat miffed.

I am hoping I can get back to the beach next summer. I'd like to find a place that welcomes dogs and take both Talley and Billie along for the ride and adventure. I am keeping my fingers crossed that all of our dogs stay healthy through the remainder of the year.

Autumn is just around the corner, and I think, for the first time in a long time, I will welcome it.

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic (my summer vacation), start here with Nicole Hrustyk, the Las Vegas dog photographer behind Pawtraits by Nicole, as she provides her dog-friendly travel checklist and offers downloadable PDF pet sitter instructions.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here, and have completed the circle. It's a small circle this week, but you won't want to miss it.

Have a great weekend!

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Christmas Ghosts

A Little Bit of Sparkle

Treats and Photography

Grateful Thankful Blessed

Good Lenses for Great Bokeh

What Color Is Halloween?

Photos For All Seasons

Beautiful Bullies

Staying Fit With Your Dog

A Different Kind of Summer

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i got the shot

(c) Copyright I Got the Shot Photography All Rights Reserved

(c) Copyright I Got the Shot Photography
All Rights Reserved