Seeing dogs everywhere

First, I'd like to apologize to my followers who read my blog. I've been too quiet for too long. Weather and family life over the holiday season has been keeping me away from the park. I have big plans that I haven't had any chance to do but am trying to do some tests to make them happen. I really want to start adding video to my blog and my process. I'm new to the process so I've been practicing at home on my other favorite subject; my son.

I've also noticed that the more involved I get with dogs, the more I see them around. Weather it's about specials about how bad puppy mills are or the state of Chihuahuas in California. Maybe it's because my ears perk up every time I see something about dogs on the news. I find most stories to be so short and without any real depth to it. I usually do my own research and find out where to story comes from. If it makes it to the local or national news, there is a much deeper story involved.

I'd like to also wish all my readers a happy and exciting new year. I've got lots of lofty goals that I hope to get started this next year and I hope everyone and their pets get everything they need.

In the name of dog

Pawsh_Santa09-01, originally uploaded by phaird.

Last Sunday I wasn't able to go to the park but it was for a very good cause. Through a friend of a friend, I ended up meeting up with a fancy dog store off Newbury St. in Boston called Pawsh Dog Boutique. They have been around for about a year and are BIG dog lovers. They wanted to do a fundraiser for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. So I worked with them in putting together a Santa photo shoot. They did a great job setting up a fun space with a decorated tree and presents. We had a great turn out of over 30 dogs and made over $300. Everyone had a great time. The Santa, (one of the owners Brother) was a real trooper sitting in the hot santa suit, holding on to all the dogs in our little shooting studio.

It was a lot of fun for everyone involved too. The dogs were great, the owners were very supportive and everyone ended up with some really nice photos (if I do say so myself).

I'm bringing a video camera to the park this Sunday if we don't get totally snowed out. I want to do more multimedia and get some stories from people.

First real snow of the winter

boxer-puppy-play, originally uploaded by phaird.

It's December and we finally have a real snow fall for the winter. Oh did the huskies and other snow dogs LOVE the park today. These two just loved to play and were all over the place. It has been such a mild fall with it still getting into the 60's just a few days before. Now the snow is here and hanging around.

Toby and I weren't really ready for it but that is okay. We decided to take a walk up in the hills and I ended up taking lots of classic winter photos of trees covered in snow.

After our walk, we ended up back at the park and it was really busy. Everyone was bundled up in the snow gear that has been packed away for so long. Cups of warm coffee in hand, the dogs were given a wide space to run and frolic in the snow. I could tell that the dogs were extra excited about the snow. To wake up and see your whole world new and covered in this white powder is an amazing feeling for many dogs.

I hope we get some more snow soon. The clean new snow is always fun for dogs and owners alike.

snoop in the pack

snoop-in-pack, originally uploaded by phaird.

Sunday was a much better week then last week. Both Toby and I were in a much better frame of mind. It was a fun busy day. After a few days of gloomy weather, it was nice to get to the park and see my park friends and let Toby run.

Never stand still for too long

Bull dog puppy, originally uploaded by phaird.

On Sunday, I brought Toby to the park and he wasn't that happy about going. It was busy and I got him a new "gentle leader" leash which he wasn't wild about. All that lead Toby to try to wonder back to the car to make me leave. I didn't want to leave because I wanted to photograph the dogs and talk with people.

Well I should back up to say that I went to bed to late the night before and hadn't eaten breakfast before going so I was also a little out of it.

So anyway, I had to keep Toby on his leash and as I was talking, a boxer thought I was a tree or fire hydrant and peed on my leg. I totally deserved it. I was just standing in the same spot too long and I was in a bla, grumpy mood. He knew I was in a funk and couldn't shake it. I had to just laugh at myself at that point. It all became clear that I was in a grumpy mood and even though I didn't say anything, that boxer knew the best way to get me out of my rut was to point it out to me.

So I was marked as his for the rest of the day. That and a bull dog puppy can bring me out of any funk because, really, going to the park with Toby and seeing all the dogs and owners out is the highlight of my week.

Dogs have long memories

I found this link on Mental Floss from a friend. It shows videos of soldiers coming back from deployment in Afghanistan and Iraq. People who don't have dogs may not get this but we know our dogs love us and have a long memory for us. They know who loves them. Check out these videos.

http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/40324

Back in Acton

Zoe, originally uploaded by phaird.

Toby and I were back in Acton this weekend. It was a beautiful day and because of the time change, there were people coming and going all morning.

This is a picture of Zoe who is one of the regulars at the park. She is an active fun dog who LOVES the tennis ball. She'll play chase with some of the other dogs as well but will go after any tennis ball thrown her way. She has the nicest personalities and gets along with all the dogs at the park.

It was nice being back in Acton this weekend. There was a lot of the regulars that I got to see. Even Toby was good this weekend. He got to chase the ball and didn't get into any fights. I think having a few weekends exploring new places helped.

We may head over to Waverly Oaks in Waltham this weekend if I get the time.