What A Photo Can Say

A few weeks ago, I photographed another participant for my book project, Dogs & Their Women. Paula and her 13 year old
Terrier mix, were stopped on day while on their usual 4 mile walk in Oconomowoc by another women who told her about my project to help raise money for rescues dogs. I don't know who that women was, but a deep sense of gratitude is coming your way, because my time with Paula and Samantha left an impression with me!

During our walk through a nearby cemetery, it was obvious just how bonded these two are. Sam would look up to her during the walk and when they were closer together, their comfort with each other was similar to a couple of many years of marriage!

Samantha was her own dog, however. That became obvious both before and after our walk. Sam, with her stylish Ozaukee Humane Society scarf around her neck, sat in the sunbeam. Paula and I were talking when I looked to see her sitting there with that calm/assertive look on her face. It was as if she owned the place!

At that moment, I felt a connection to Sam. She just exuded a calm confidence. When I look at this image I see old images of great leaders like Chief Joseph, Abe Lincoln and Indira Ghandi. There's that same calm/confidence that made people follow them.

So when Paula told me that Sam would look up to her on their walks, I began to wonder if Sam was just making sure that Paula was following the true leader, Samantha.