A Rockin' Cover Shot

He is my Rock.


I am speechless.


uhm...

everybody buy a copy. :)


Not sure of the publish date but you can go here www.off-lead.com

Agility - Yes Your Dog Can!

April 24-26, I had a fantastic time shooting the Charleston Dog Training Club AKC Agility Trial. Three wonderful days surrounded by dogs of all breeds, and people who truly love the sport of agility. If you would like to do something with your dog, and think just because you don't have a border collie or shetland sheepdog that you can't do agility, think again!!!

If you have never had the opportunity to watch agility, and would like to see what it's all about, you might consider going to an event. It is fun fast furries flying fervently forward! (try saying that 5 times fast!)




Standard is probably what most people think of when they think agility. Laid out by a specific plan, the handler leads the dog through the course by means of verbal or physical cues (such as body movement, posture, pointing, etc.) Normally there will be an A frame, dog walk, teeter, tunnel, tire, dog walk, a table where the dog must sit or lay (as directed by the judge) for 5 seconds, chute and of course weave poles and jumps, or any combination of the above.

Jumpers With Weaves (JWW) is what I enjoy watching because I love to see those beautiful dogs fly over the jumps. There are some of the dogs I swear are going through the poles so fast they're doing a time warp! JWW is just that, lots and lots of jumps with weave poles in the line up as well. This too, is a laid out specific plan that a handler leads the dog through.

However, the most challenging (at least to me as a photographer) is FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) ... from the AKC Agility Rule Book: As indicated by the title the Fifteen and Send Time Class uses fifteen (15) point valued obstacles and/or obstacle combinations. The course will include a ‘Send Bonus’ or distance element that will award a bonus of twenty (20) points if completed successfully, and is identified as the ‘Send Bonus’. Six of the fifteen (15) point valued obstacles must be single bar jumps (typically winged) valued at one point each. Winged jumps are assumed to have a value of one point unless other- wise denoted by the judge. Nine (9) additional obstacles on the course will be assigned unique values from 2 through 10 by the judge.




Now, in English. What that means is it looks like a Standard course. BUT there will be a piece of brightly colored tape on the ground marking off 2 or 3 obstacles. That is the "Send" part. The handler cannot cross that tape. They have to be able to communicate to the dog by voice or hand from a distance what they are supposed to do. While there are certain rules that restrict how some obstacles must be attempted; the order of the obstacles, and (at the discretion of the judge) the direction in which the dog goes, is pretty much up to the handler.

The truth is, no matter what is going on in a ring, it is FUN when you're doing agility! Allowing our dogs to enjoy themselves and really "work for their supper" is one of the most important things we can do as owners. Along with proper food, water and shelter, exercise is imperative to their health. Being involved in a sport with your dog can only benefit you as well! Whether it's a long walk on the beach, attending obedience, or doing agility together, regardless of the breed, big or small, Pomeranian to Pit Bull, a tired dog is a good dog!

Pictures from the CDTC AKC Agility Trial...

Uniwolf Photography



Learn more about training...

Doggie Doos

Scoot Dog Agility

Charleston Dog Training Club




Learn more about agility...

AKC Agility

USDAA

NADAC


Until next time...Enjoy!!!

He is my Rock

I have been training Rock as my personal service dog (also called an assistance dog.) He just turned 2 and I have realized that I will never be able to graduate him to full service due to his over excitability with cats. It's called a prey drive and his is very strong. Long story short, I've not been able to work with him on this. It doesn't mean I can't, or won't. It means that I haven't. Regardless, I'd never let him go. I always intended to keep him for myself. Oh, prey drive makes him great at playing his favorite game, frisbee. :)

Other than the cat issue, I think I've done a good job, he will 'brace' to help me or my husband get up from a seated position. He is a true ambassador to the German Shepherd Dog breed. I can take him everywhere. He is incredible and has never failed or disappointed me. We take him to our favorite restaurant, he goes directly under the table and lays at our feet. Last night, as we were leaving, he came out from under the table and a guy says "Hey look, there's a dog in here." Which speaks volumes as to Rock's behavior. Rock has such a warm and personable personality. He's used to being pulled on and yanked and smothered by children as I socialized him constantly very young. It doesn't phase him. It's very rare when anything does. The people at the restaurant adore him. He has become a fixture, if not a mascot.

After dinner, we went across the street to Walmart to pick up a couple things. Sometimes we are met with people saying "Oh hell no!" and literally running the other direction. Then there are nights like last night, where he was welcomed warmly. He does get a little overwhelmed when he has too many people come up to him at once, so I have to make sure he knows everything is ok. I keep my own energy in check, and reassure him by keeping his lead loose and and my voice calm. That is my job, he needs to know that while I need him to work for me, I am there to make sure he is protected as well. I sit him down and allow one person at a time to come over and say hello to him. It's incredible for the little children to experience. Some of them are very afraid at first, he's bigger than many! I have him sit and I praise him, and explain to the child how to properly approach a dog, not on the head ('because that would be like somebody bopping you on the head to say "hi!"), but by the side of his face up to his ear, slowly, allowing the dog to sniff (and not being scared), because that's how he says "hello". At the same time I get the opportunity to teach little children about dogs in general. How they should never run up to a strange dog. Never approach a dog from where he can't see you. That they should always ask permission to pet someone's dog. And of course that they are such a big responsibility, because you "have to make sure they stay clean, they need a lot of exercise, they have to have good healthy food, play time, proper training so they are nice to people and other animals, a warm place to sleep in winter and a cool place in summer, and teach them how to go potty outside, and how to sleep in a crate and take them to the vet. And it's very important to make sure they get fixed so they won't be a mommy or daddy, and well there's just so much to do with a dog, so you must make sure you can do all that! When they're ready, ask their mom or dad to take them to the SPCA and find them the right dog." So, yeah, the speech is kinda there...

I also get to talk to the parents too explaining to them about the several patches and how most dogs they see wearing a vest will have patches that say "Please Don't Pet Me I'm Working" or "Working Dog On Duty" while Rock has on "Service Dog In Training Please Ask To Pet Me", so to please keep an eye open for that when their children see a dog in public. I also get to explain that service dogs aren't just for blind people, as that seems to be a common misconception. Service dogs can be helpful to people who have physical problems with walking or standing, they can be helpful for people who have seizures often recognizing the oncoming symptoms before the person does, necessary for medical alerts (people with mental conditions for example), and people who have difficulty hearing. Dogs are also used for Search and Rescue (SAR) and of course, when most people see Rock, they immediately think (and I often overhear a parent telling a child) a "Police Dog".

Rock is an Ambassador to the GSD breed. I have worked with many dogs in the last 15 years, 10 of which was intensely concentrated on rescue/rehab/rehome. The last 5, almost 6 now, have been more selective due to my own physical limitations. Which is where Rock came in. We needed each other. We need each other still. Every animal I have ever had has taught me something. Rock is a big doe-eyed dork. But he's my big doe-eyed dork. I wake up and he's there waiting for his kiss on the nose and ready to start the day. Everything in life happens for a reason. I guess the pain I had to go through put me on a path to him. No regrets. Guinness Rockin' Rocket, you're my dork dog, you are my Rock.

Surgery

I've had several people ask where I've been the last few months. Some of you know I've been getting steroid shots for the last 2 yrs, the relief doesn't last long and I'm tired of missing events (dogs and loads of others!) It's hard to get great photos if you can't get underneath, on top, twist, run, etc. basically do the things to get *the* shot that nobody else gets, well, you get the picture...ha!

I've decided to go ahead and have the surgery on my back. I'll be going in on Wednesday (22nd), doc said 3-4 days in then they'll send me home. I promised I'd be good *grumble* The short version; break it, fix it, heal it, hit the ground running. I plan on having cameras hanging around my neck and getting a dog's attention, disappearing to shoot candids, and finding magnificent angles to photograph the ordinary by early next year. While I already have my hands full with my own 6, I'm hopeful I will be doing well enough to be able to start fostering dogs again.

In February I will be shooting Dockdogs at SEWE in Charleston. After that I'm open and enthusiastic, bring it. :)

Seriously, thanks for your concern. I'm not sure how much I'll be able to get online for awhile, but I promise to let everyone know via my blog how I'm doing.

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!

Pet Fest 2008 - Lowcountry Dog Magazine Model Shoot

What do you get when you add more than 250 dogs and over 1500 photos on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Mt. Pleasant? Easy answer! The Lowcountry Dog Magazine Model Contest at Pet Fest! The weather was heavenly, sunshine and warm temperatures made for a glorious day to shoot.

Here it is Tuesday morning and, as I sit here finally processing and uploading the last of the images taken, I am still very sore (heating pad, cold pack, heating pad, cold pack.) I can assure you, it is nothing I'm not used to, and I'm not complaining. If I wasn't sore, I'd think I had backed off and not done as much as I could have. To me the muscle soreness is part of the job. These aren't 'just dogs', these are beautiful, wonderful, spirited animals that deserve to be treated with respect and admiration. The unconditional love they give to us should be returned. While I will never be able to give them near the attention they all deserve, it was my pleasure to at least make the attempt to get the best shots I could in what little time we had together.

I think sometimes when people see me they're just not quite sure what to expect. I don't know for certain, but I did hear a few whispers about my tattoos (they are of my dogs who have passed away.) For those that didn't already know me, I think I surprised them. By laying on the ground to get just the right shots of the smaller dogs, on my knees for others, bending over, walking around. By midday so many of the dogs were obviously hot and tired and giving such stress signals*, it was more important to just get the dog comfortable and let me move. So that's exactly what I did. If I had one that just wouldn't co-operate (or maybe mom or dad wasn't quite sure what to do) the best thing is not to try to force the dog do what you want it to, but to work with the dog. Forcing an animal only causes stress, for both of you. So, I did the up and down and this position and that position and lean over here and there and well, anything to get the shot. I'd have stood on my head if I had to. I would have needed help, it wouldn't have been pretty.

All of this moving around and making the silly noises (lots of silly high pitched noises), is just another part of my job. Yes, I could've set up my tripod. Click "Next" Click "Next"... I even started to, all the time I was trying to set it up I had this nagging voice in my head, "You have to be who you are and how you are. The only expectations you have to fill are your own, and this is not the way you'll do it. Do what you do best." For once those voices in my head had some good advice. ;) So on came the kneepads, up went the hair and I became the dog (ok now I have Bill Murray and Caddyshack are now running through my mind, arrrgh!) Sounds silly to some and others will understand. To me, I shoot what I know, and I know dogs. It is who I am and why I photograph animals for a living. I love the dogs so much it makes my heart feel like it will burst right out of my chest. Getting dirty doesn't bother me in the slightest. Yes, I pay for it physically, but the multitude of happy faces, bouncy bodies and slobbery kisses are bonus checks worth far more than the muscle strains.

There were just some dogs that decided they did not want their picture taken and I did not get the best shots of them, I would love to have had the opportunity to take more time. Unfortunately the line remained very long for most of the day. Other dogs sat patiently. I got at least one picture of every dog. Some got several, others only two or three. I tried to give at least 30 seconds to each dog. It's important for the owners to remember too, even if I got their feet, or the leash, or anything else in the picture, I do everything I can to make the background nice and even. I would not post photos at all if I thought that they could not be improved, or were not already ready to go.


Some images I see from the artistic eye. I have some that all you see are the nose and one eye tongue lolling from the constant panting of the overwhelming heat that took over the day. Others show just a profile, or an angle where the eyes are only in focus, or just the nose as it sniffs the air, where the rest of the head seems just slightly softer. It relates an action, your dog doing something, being himself, just being a dog. A dog's nose is it's first line of "Hey what's that?" You'll do it too going down a road of fastfood restaurants.

There's a tremendous amount of stress on a dog when they are expected to be perfectly behaved and put in 'just so' positions in such a short time span. The owner gets stressed and that goes right down the leash to the dog. I would love to have a one on one opportunity with every dog that came in front of me this weekend to bring out the best qualities in them. With a lack of stress, a lack of such intense heat, and the ability to take time to let him or her just be themselves. I've been known to sit in the middle of a yard and just wait...and wait...and wait.

I was thrilled to see some of my previous clients, people that recognized me from other events ("Hey you're that dog photographer!"), friends I hadn't seen in a while, and even my vet's office personnel stop by to say hi. After a very long and hot day, meeting wonderful people who so obviously love their dogs (and sadly not being able to talk to them near long enough!) Pet Fest 2008 closed down. Right before it started to rain. Just like in photography, timing is everything.


While I am well known for my verbosity in writing, there are not enough words to offer my appreciation to the publisher of Lowcountry Dog Magazine, Leah England, for the invitation to do the pictures this year. Wolf and I enjoyed ourselves immensely. Our boy, Guinness Rockin' Rocket CGC was even in the breed show (*pat*pat*pat*pat* good boy!)

Given the multitude of breeds, sizes, and all else I photographed at Pet Fest, I can once again say I have yet to meet a dog I do not like. There are 1536 photos online at uniwolfprints.com from this past Saturday reaffirming it.

P.S. I love my job. :)

* Stress signals - yawning, turning the head away, averting the eyes, slightly (or intensely) pulling away, ignoring commands, etc. This can be caused by stressful situations as well as people's stress around the animal. The more stress the owner shows (raised voice, insistent commands) the more likely the dog is to react to it.

If I Didn't Have A Dog...

(I can not take the credit for writing this. I don't know who did, but it hit me straight in my heart. For years we did rescue so we've always had 5 or more dogs. It makes me cry tears of joy and sadness, it makes me smile and laugh and nod my head in total agreement. It fits how I feel about all the dogs who've come through my life, including the wolfdog and husky, who passed last year, shown walking with me in the picture below. All photos are mine (excepting the photo taken of me and the underdogs by my husband, Wolf.)

If I Didn't Have A Dog...

I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety. My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated. All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair. When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.

When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there. I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.




I would have money ....and no guilt to go on a real vacation. I would not be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians, as I put their yet unborn grand kids through college. The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.




My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers. My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere. My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.

I would no longer have to Spell the words B-A-L-L, F-R-I-S-B-E- E, W-A-L-K, T-R-E-A-T, B-I-K-E, G-O, R-I-D-E I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside. I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat ties them down too much I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of dreading 'mud' season.

I would not have to answer the question 'Why do you have so many animals?' from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.

How EMPTY my life would be!