Toby back at the park

_MG_1545.jpg, originally uploaded by phaird.

Had a short visit to the park this Sunday. Toby and my boy, Isaac, came to the park this morning. That meant, I had to focus on them then the people and the dogs. That's okay though because it's rare, that I can convince Isaac to come with. We tried to go for a walk up in the woods but since we were moving at a 3 year old pace, I was getting eaten by all the bugs! This photo was taken on the way up to the woods.
We tried to hang out but neither one was really up for it. Isaac got tackled when we first got in by a big dog that just loves kids. Isaac was a little scared but got over it quickly. I know it's a dog park, not a kids park so my boys are just going to have to deal with this once in a while.
I was just glad to be back. I hadn't been for 2 weeks and missed seeing all the dogs. We got to see another black and white little dog that kinda looked like Toby which was nice.

Toby was not up for the dog park this morning

Toby was not up for the dog park this morning, originally uploaded by phaird.

It's hot! It's Muggy! But that still shouldn't stop me from going to the dog park right? I got up early and tried to get to the park before the crowds and was able to do that. It didn't matter to Toby though. He got out of the car, did his business and went right back. I couldn't get him out to the grass and I even brought the tennis ball. It's kinda a set back for him but I don't think it's to big a step back. He might have heard something or even thought it might rain. Rain means thunder this time of year so he gets freaked out about that. We at least have a thunder jacket for him and do what we can to make him comfortable.
But this Sunday's visit to the park was a bust. I opened the door. Took this photo of him sitting and we went home. By the time we got home, he was fine again and wanted a treat. Just like him.

More early mornings

_MG_0773.jpg, originally uploaded by phaird.

I've been super busy with photo events, I haven't had time to post lately. Last weekend I spent the whole weekend at Pooch-a-Palooza. It was SO hot but I'm hoping it was worth it. I've got some new photo clients out of it so that is good.

I'm hoping that if the weather is good on Sunday, I'll be back with the early morning crowd where Toby is happy and can chase a ball without feeling overwhelmed. Everyone has been so nice and there have been funny stories popping up. If there are thunder storms heading in though, I can't do it. Toby will be totally out of here and I'll be either dragged out or he'll just run off and hide. That already happened once and I don't want to do that again.

The early morning group

_MG_0585.jpg, originally uploaded by phaird.

Okay, don't be mad. I have been coming to the Acton park the past few weeks but most of you haven't seen me because I've been going between 7-9am. I've met a good small group of people who's dogs are great and are much better with just a few dogs wondering around. Toby has been so much better with the time too. He has been excited to get in the car to head to the park. He's been wagging his tail when he's interacting with the other dogs and has made fast friends with everyone. I'm so much happier for him. The only down side is getting up so early on a day I know I could sleep in.
This little guy remind me of Eeyore from Winnie The Poo. That face is amazing! He got up on the table on his own and just hung out.

Pano of dog park

Pano of dog park, originally uploaded by phaird.

Wow, It's been a while since I posted about the dog park. Sorry about that. I've been hit or miss the past few weeks and have been so busy. All this nice weather has gotten me out shooting clients and other family events.

It's also brought out the gun club and Toby has not been happy. I take him for leashed walks up into the hills to get his energy out. He's gettin old so he gets tired faster but can still outlast me. It helps him calm down a bit but we don't get to stay long.

Next Sunday is mothers day so it might be a short day at the park for me as I get my kids to do all those nice things for their mom, Toby included.

First 100 posts

bulldogs playing, originally uploaded by phaird.

This was taken back in Feb 09. It was the 100th photo I took and about the time my neighbor at the time loaned me her spare Canon 5D. That camera has a larger (full frame) sensor and offered a lot of control my older Nikon camera I was shooting with didn't. That was the beginning of the end of film for me because I could get what I wanted without compromising. It wasn't soon after that I finally went out and got my own 5D. I had to sell all my old film camera gear to get it but it was totally worth it.
These 2 bulldogs show up at the park now and again. It's pretty rare but they have such a good time.

Looking back

Dusty tugs - a, originally uploaded by phaird.

Here is Dusty with his dad from way back in November 2007 when I started coming to the Acton park. Dusty, Amber and Rudy would come very week no matter what. Dusty was so ball focused that it didn't matter what else was going on, he just wanted the ball.
They moved back west (Portland OR, I think) and he was the first person I interviewed for my book. The hardest part for him was that Rudi wasn't his dog so he was worried that Rudi wouldn't get to come to the park any more. He was king when he was at the park and it was a little sad when he wasn't around any more.

Almost 6 years

hunter and chagall at acton park, originally uploaded by phaird.

I've been shooting at this park for over 6 years and even though some days are a blur, every weekend I make it to the park is a great day. When I started, I was still shooting film and processing and printing my prints. (now that's retro). It's weird looking back but since I didn't make it to the park on Sunday, I figured I'd go back and look at some of the 1500+ photos I shot and think about who I don't see anymore or those that have passed on; both people and animals.
This is Hunter and his mom who were huge supporters of my blog and book idea (still want to happen). Kinda crazy but more eccentric then anything. A good heart and loved her dogs.