bennie, rio and chester

It has been a while since I've updated my blog, but I haven't forgotten about it. Quite the contrary! I actually went out and purchased a new DSLR that I'm very proud of. Along with my new Canon 7D, I purchased a 70-200mm lens... and I've just been waiting for the perfect opportunities to go out and use it more.

I have been able to get some photos of some wonderful subjects. Since Tuesday night, I've been looking after my Uncle and Aunt's mini schnauzer, Bennie. Bennie is 12.5 years old, is diabetic (gets two insulin shots a day), has "goopy" eyes (that get drops 3 times a day) and just had one of his toes amputated (due to a lump of cancer on it). Don't let those things fool you, though. Bennie is in great spirits (although a little blind at times) and has turned into my little shadow. He and Rio have slowly accepted each other.

Bennie has also made many new doggie friends at my park. One of them, a cockapoo named Chester. I was able to get some pictures of all three guys the other day. Enjoy!

Bennie

Rio

Chester

bear and shadow

Lately I've been spending some time with some gorgeous shepherd mixes. Bear, who is a five year old husky/shepherd, and Shadow, who is a one and a half year old labrador/shepherd, are lovely dogs with totally different personalities. Bear is very much self-sufficient. He likes to roam the area and is quite determined on the walk. Shadow is very people oriented, and after his initial "OHMYGOD I'm going on a WALK!" excitement, he heels very nicely and sticks close the entire time. Shadow could also play fetch all day long, where Bear likes to lounge in the shade and watch. Both are great dogs... and also, quite beautiful! :)

Bear

Shadow

shadow and penny

Whenever I go and visit my friend, Sarah, I always say we have to take her dogs for a walk so I can get pictures of them. Shadow is a gorgeous german sheppard/border collie mix, while penny is of unknown heritage. We were trying to put together what she could be, and the breeds we were thinking might be in there somewhere are german sheppard, border collie, smooth collie, hound (beagle?) and maybe even a spitz of some sort (because of her tail). What a mystery! Either way, both dogs are fantastic and awesome to watch run and play. Shadow is the black one, Penny is the sheppard coloured one. Enjoy!

crosby

It seems to be the season of meeting new puppies, and back in October 2009, I was introduced to the beautiful and adorable little yellow labrador puppy, Crosby. Over the months of knowing him, his short little legs have "sprouted" and he has grown up to be an even more gorgeous guy (which seems impossible, but it's true!). I had the chance to take a trip to the park with Crosby this past weekend, and of course... snapped some pictures of him. Oh, and just so you know, he's named after Sidney Crosby... not any other famous Crosby. :)

harley

I know that everyone is enjoying the nice weather we've been having, but sometimes snow makes the best "prop" for a dog photoshoot. This is Harley, a beautiful golden retriever that I walk and sometimes dogsit for. He has one of the best personalities I've ever encountered and he's one of the most obedient dogs that I know. Harley is also aware of how photogenic he really is. There will be more pictures coming of this handsome man.

daisy and bosco

Last Sunday I brought my little dog, Rio, to an off-leash dog park in Richmond Hill. We had made a "puppy date" with Daisy (a 2 year old cattle dog mix) and Bosco (a 5 year old weimaraner) and had a fabulous time. Of course, I got some photos of Rio's new friends as well. Here are the very sporty/energetic Daisy, and her super friendly and lovable big brother, Bosco.

marley

Every Monday I have the privilege of walking a beautiful little beagle named Marley. I've been doing so since she was around four months old, and in the time knowing her she has matured into a gorgeous young lady. Stubborn and full of energy, Marley always has me on my toes, but I wouldn't take her any other way. Here are a few pictures I captured of her today (even though it's not Monday). :)