Jimmy's story is one of survival, love, heartbreak, and triumph.
Just before Labor Day 2014, Jimmy started having trouble with his leg. Having thought it might be a sprain, his parents took him over to their vet. They were quickly sent off to a specialist for x-rays. Doubts and questions started to form because why would they be sent to a specialist for a little sprain?
Well it turns out the vet made the right call. The specialist found that... (click on the image above to continue reading)
Some days are just made for the perfect photo shoot. The day I met Fergie, the sun was out, there was a slightly cool breeze, and the colors of fall were starting to appear. We met in an abandoned field that was filled with gorgeous yellow flowers which complimented Fergie's wavy fur. Her spunky personality was on full display as she bounced around, explored, and chewed on sticks.
Even though Fergie had a busy day of traveling (she'd been visiting rescues looking for a fur-buddy), she could keep going and going. Every once in a while her eyes would get a little heavy, but then the breeze would bring in a new smell and her face would perk right up again.
Man, I just love this happy little girl! Meet Fergie, the 10-month-old Cockapoo...
Fergie's beautiful parents even joined in for some pics. Isn't that a lovely family?!?
This session had definitely made me ready for the fall season! The colors throughout this shoot are going to be phenomenal in Fergie's Coffee Table Album! Can't wait!!!
Anyone that follows me on Facebook probably knows that I'm extremely fond of older pups. So when I found out I was going to be able to photograph THREE in one session, I was thrilled! Each one of these wise, elderly gentlemen has been rescued into a wonderfully loving home with plenty of toys, attention, and friendship. I introduce (from left to right) Sparky Parker, Max, and Riley...
Max's white face makes my knees weak. I could never say no to this adorable face!
Max has been diagnosed with kidney failure and we actually had a bit of a scare when I showed up for his session. Earlier in the day, he got sick twice. When I arrived, he got sick for the third time. We cut the session short so he could be seen by the vet. Fortunately, everything was fine and the vet just thought it was a stomach bug. Even better news was that his kidney levels were back in the normal range and we got to finish the session the very next week! Yay!
Sparky Parker is the eldest of the pack but would never let you know! He still has quite a pep in his step! This cutie pie was adopted from a local rescue after being with them until he was 9 years old! Because he is a little dog aggressive, he was never taken to adoption events and the public never got to meet him. Fortunately, my client volunteered with that rescue and was able to spend plenty of time with him. Eventually, she fell in love. His still has some dog aggression but fits right in with his tight-knit pack.
Riley, oh, Riley. I must admit, Riley stole my heart. Riley is ten-and-a-half and has a wonderful old soul. This precious Golden is actually the leader of the pack and is known to bring the calmness to everyone. I totally believe it because I could curl up with him and be calm all day. He is such a lover and SOOOO handsome!!
I really enjoyed hanging out at their house and the pretty trail in their neighborhood.
When my client would visit Sparky Parker at the rescue, this is how they would spend their time. She would love on him and he would just sit there and take it all in!
Riley, you can run to me ANY time you want!!!
I'm glad Max was feeling better because I even got a little smile out of him...
He even had some goofiness!
Not to be forgotten! This 3-dog pack is actually a "small animal farm" of 7! Yep! There are 4 kitties that keep these boys company. Below are two of the curious felines! :)
Much love to all these 4-legged babies! Can't wait to see them all again!!! :)
There are so many places to start with this story that I'm not sure where to begin. I guess I'll start with Sur Nicholas McLovin, aka Sur. I actually met Sur about two-and-a-half years ago when I was volunteering with the Great Dane Rescue of the Carolinas. He was being fostered by fellow volunteers - now his parents - and was fighting a horrible battle with Mange. He was struggling for his life but fortunately found a great couple that provided wonderful care and love. This is what Sur looked like before...
And this is Sur now. Isn't he stunning?
Too often, the "ugly" dogs (especially Pits and Pit-mixes) are overlooked and left behind at shelters around the country. I love Sur's story because it shows that the ugly duckling can turn into a swan!
Through Sur's recovery, a strong bond formed between he and his dad. His dad owns a dog walking and training business and Sur has been instrumental in helping him perfect his training abilities. In fact, we took some time to photograph some of his training techniques for his developing website. The exercise on the right is called Pushing and is part of Natural Dog Training.
Sur's dad uses these giant boulders during his training sessions and they were just to pretty to pass by. Time for a photo opp!
This session wasn't just about Sur. His sister joined in too! Her name is Sierra and she is just the sweetest ol' lady ever!
Sur may be daddy's dog but Sierra is definitely momma's girl. Some of Sierra's mom's favorite traits about her are...
1 - She always raises her paw to get your attention
2 - Her teeth!!!
3 - She has a great body wag and bounce
4 - Her play bow. I'm so glad we captured them all!!!
This whole family makes me want to squeal!!! Love them and they are the epitome of dog people!
Sierra looks gorgeous in this picture but I think she was ready for a nap! :)
And I'll finish off with more of Sur balancing on things...
Thank you so much for a wonderful session! I'm so thrilled to see how far Sur has come and I hope he inspires others to take a second look at the "ugly" doggy in the window.
