The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

I'm so far behind I won't ever catch up. I am sorry dear phodogfollowers (watch yer step) that I've not kept up as best as I had hoped. Things have gone to hell in a handbasket for the last couple months. I'm hoping I can get back on track. The Good: The Charleston Air Force Base Air Show in April, and the Agility "A" Match in May, and in June, Connor our new Border Collie pup who is determined to drive me out of my mind with giddiness. The Bad: My brother died in a single car accident a couple weeks ago. The Ugly: Our house after the water pipe broke and all of the carpets were ruined. We are just now getting our house back to somewhat normal. I've had two spinal injections due to my intense pain in my back and legs. Although I'm doing better now (back to my every three month injections) I'm still feeling displaced because of my home being such a mess and there's so much more I had wanted to do this summer, not reorganize my house! However, it has made me realize just how much junk we have, and a good deal of it is gonna be gone! We have too much stuff (thank you George Carlin, one of the most brilliant realist comedians ever, may you RIP) .... So, that has been what's going on with me, and why I've not kept up with my blog as I had hoped I would be able to. However, I have kept my trigger finger going and been taking pictures. I don't just shoot dogs... :) Lots of things catch my interest...keep coming back, you never know what I'll find to share or be shooting next!

Fun Canine Sports Weekend 3/29-3/30 2008 Bluffton, SC

READY!!!!!!!!! You could feel excitement in the air! I was watching happy dogs and happy owners! That's how my husband, three of our dogs and I spent this past weekend. I was fortunate enough to be offered the job to shoot the "Fun Canine Sports Weekend" in Bluffton, SC. at the astonishing Rose Dhu Creek Equestrian Center.

Oh, did I say fortunate? What a huge understatement, yet certainly true! As a photographer I take pictures to make money, just like anyone else, I go to work, I do my best. Sometimes the extra benefits are worth much more than any money can buy.

This weekend was so much fun to see all of the dogs and the owners give the name of the event real meaning! There was Agility for the beginner and experienced, the "Parade of Breeds", Frisbee demos, Freestyle Dance, Obedience and Rally presentations, rescue booths with info and much, much more. All the rage among the food was the wonderful creamy chicken salad sandwiches filled with grapes and nuts! Yummy!

I spent my time on Saturday mostly shooting the Agility, but occasionally getting the portrait shot in. A lot of time on my knees, up and down and getting the right spot (thank goodness for good kneepads!) This was my first opportunity at shooting Agility, so it was a true new experience for me (a HUGE thanks to Windi for her ideas and suggestions!)

Sunday was a lot more portrait and candid shooting, and admittedly a good bit of time I took for selfish reasons. One of the other offerings was CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Testing. It is a very basic 'title' for your dog, but certainly one that should not be underrated, as it proves your dog is a social and well behaved animal. The CGC title says he can be around other people, other dogs, noises, etc. and still be a Good Dog listening to his owner without distraction. I took my German Shepherd over and got him through it so he now has his CGC, I am thrilled that he has his first title!

I met wonderful people and gorgeous dogs. I learned the difference between breeds that look very similar, and I found information on a few more breeds I wasn't aware of previously. I had help to remain calm when Rock kept getting up from his sit/stay, and I'd like to think some of the advice I gave was taken well too. I am really looking forward to next year where I expect it will be an even larger event.

Dog people are a strange bunch. We love our guys and gals immensely. It is an incredible bond only another dog person can understand, it shows in the way we look at them, the way we are so happy when they complete a task, when they just do the most simple thing, and sometimes when they do nothing at all but lay quietly at our feet or give us those wonderful sloppy kisses. I hope that shows in my photography too.

The benefits to just being at an event like this is incredible. To shoot pictures? Priceless.