We have 3 dogs and a cat. Yep, that’s a lot! But I did not grow up with a lot of animals, and I never had a dog – let alone three! I grew up in a California suburb, just outside of San Francisco. It was pretty much an idyllic childhood, but without the obligatory family dog. And honestly, I was not one of those kids who was just dying to have a pup. It never even really crossed my mind. I wanted a horse in a bad way, but that’s another story. And I will get to that sometime!
I was afraid of dogs!
Actually, I grew up kind of afraid of dogs. My mom suffered a pretty bad dog bite so she was afraid of dogs. When we were out and encountered a dog, she would always shuffle me and my sister out of the way. She even told the story of how she once hid behind us girls when a big dog came by! She felt terribly guilty about that, but we thought it was funny. So that’s my beginning relationship with man’s best friend…not really friends at all. LOL.
When Warren and I married and bought our first home together, the very first purchase we made was a puppy. Well, he did that and I went along. I knew nothing at all about puppies, breeds, puppy raising, etc. I knew that puppies are cute and we had the cutest one. A little black lab we named Teick (tyke) and we loved for 14 years. So, my relationship with dogs began.
Fur Baby Photo Shoots!
As my photography business took off, I had lots of request to include the family dog. Seniors especially wanted to include their hunting dogs. Of course I always said yes, but honestly, I was also always a little nervous. It was one thing having Teick at home and knowing him since puppyhood, and another getting used to being around other dogs. The apprehension from childhood took time to get over. But the more time I spent with the dogs, the more comfortable I became and the more I began enjoying having dogs join in for some photos.
I found out that adding the dog into the mix created these really spontaneous and fun photos! Everything just lightened up, smiles were genuine, laughing contagious and the photos were awesome! I have now photographed dogs and kids, dogs and seniors, dogs and families, dogs all by themselves and even dogs and weddings! No more fear of dogs! I even have been a part of M & M Pet Rescue‘s fund raiser taking photos of dogs and Santa!
The only thing I ask if you want to bring your dog along, is to give me a little advanced notice so that we plan accordingly. We don’t want your dog sitting in a hot car or being at the studio for too long without a potty break.
As for my dogs
You may see them at the studio as well. They are regularly at the gym (I share the building with my husband’s business, The Power Plant Gym) and they often times trot on over for a visit!
Boz the Old Man Yellow Lab. Holly the bad Beagle, and Kya the gentle giant Shepherd. Can’t forget Cappucino the Cat, but she doesn’t visit the studio.
