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.

The Healer

One of the interesting things about my book project, Dogs and Their Women, is that women who know about my project refer other women to me. It's because of these referrals that I've met some interesting women and great dogs. Today was one of those days!

Lisa, the rescue coordinator for the Wisconsin German Shorthair Pointer Rescue, told me about Dixie Chick and her owner, Pam. Dixie's chief occupation is bring joy into Pam's life, as she's been living with cancer for a few years. It's a job Dixie readily accepts and is superb in her execution of duties!

When I arrived at their house, Dixie was doing the usual "360's" at full speed, in Pam's large back yard, trying to run out the energy that a only a 2 year old English Pointer possesses. Once she settled down with Pam's other dog, Lanie, it became apparent of the role they played in her life.

With Pam starting another round of chemo, these two little 'nurses' snuggle up with her on the couch when the fatigue hits her. She accepts and relishes their healing qualities of acceptance, the "take it one moment at a time" canine philosophy, and a little petting that makes anything better.

It's interesting that when we rescue dogs from situations that are difficult, that they also rescue us from the same. It was Pam who helped Lanie out of a tough time, and Lanie that saw Pam through her own hellish moments. But it was Dixie's cheerful nature and chief "infuser of joy" that has healed them all.

Never underestimate the canine 'nurse' in the family! All medicine goes down easier with a Pointer who loves life and lives every moment!

Lasting Moments

It's been very busy around here lately, with more seniors to photograph before their deadlines and families squeezing in the portraits for the holidays! I've missed the fun of blogging so it feels good to be writing again.

By now, you might know that I love all things canine. So I want to share a touching story about Rocky, a German Shorthair Pointer, and his human companion, Mary. Mary adopted Rocky nearly 4 years ago and he became her 'rock.' As an older dog, Rocky was lucky to be adopted by Mary and her husband. Older dogs don't nearly get the chance for a forever home that younger dogs do. Rocky showed her how much he loved her by snuggling with her. Like my English Pointer, Emma, Rocky leaned up against her and every chance he got, was touching her. It's a Pointer thing!

And so it was that I witnessed this affection for each other at a Pointer Party, held to celebrate the adoption of 184 Pointers in 7 years, from the WI Shorthair Pointer Rescue Group (http://www.wgspr.com). There were 30 or so pointers running around a large, fenced in back yard, with owners milling about, talking to each other and sharing stories about their dogs. While I was talking to a woman that adopted a sibling of my Emma, I noticed this woman sharing a tender moment with her dog. I quickly knelt down and got off a few frames of their closeness. At that moment I was moved by this open display of affection because they both looked like an island of calm amid the chaos of galloping, barking dogs.

This image was made about 2 weeks before Rocky suffered a stroke/seizure and went on to run into the other side. Mary told me that on that day I 'spied' her and Rocky, she was telling Rocky that he was a VERY good dog; something she told him daily. From this image, it's easy to see his goodness, and hers! They belonged together.

I've invited Mary to be in my Dogs and Their Women project. In part, she tells me that Rocky has helped her to live in the moment. It's something I hear from many women who have dogs! As you can imagine, Mary's moments are a lot harder without her loyal companion. How odd it must feel to not feel his daily 'touches' of leans and snuggles. Funny how our pain in loss is really an indication of the depth of the love we felt and were lucky to have!

The Reason Danes are Great

Every once in a while I have the pleasure to be in the company of a great dog. Today it was a Great Dane, named Bridgette. She and her owner are part of my Dogs and Their Women project, that will benefit shelter and rescue dogs.

When I pulled up to her house, Bridgette came over to greet me, just as I opened my car door. Normally, when seated in the car, I'd bend over and start petting the dog. Not with Bridgette. She's right at nose level, and by that, I mean MY nose! She very calmly started using that great olfactory sense that she possesses and she exuded nothing but confidence with me. She surely got a whiff of my two dogs, as their hair is a permanent part of my car's interior!

Off we went to a nearby county park. Bridgette lopped along with the greatest of ease, reminding me of my good friend's Rhodesian Ridgeback. It's the same style of running I saw when coaching my high school sprint athletes. That graceful lope is a coverup for the speed that lies under the hood! Sure enough, she showed me what she had, causing me to rethink how to focus on such a fast, moving dog!

We finished inside, catching her on the couch as she struggled to stay awake after her extra morning romp. I began to think that I could easily own this breed - athletic, playful and loyal - great characteristics in a giant, dog breed. But the icing on the cake was she was such a regal dog and that I'd never have to bend down to pet a Great Dane! I'll bet her owner agrees.