Rusnak Photography Dog Blog

Winter Has Arrived

2012-01-19T17:24:00.000-08:00

Boone has had so much fun these last five days in a winter wonderland. We Seattleites are not use to this flaky and frozen white stuff at the rate in which it continues to fall and stick around. I didn't make it into work yesterday because of road conditions and today looks even worse. So Boone has had many opportunities to go out with me and my camera since Sunday.

It's not as easy as you think shooting with a camera in the falling snow, but someone has to do it. Considering it has not stopped snowing and dropping freezing rain for the last three days. At times I have to lay on my belly in the freezing snow (it's actually kind of fun, just need to dress extra warm) and try to keep the lens glass from getting wet or foggy. If this does happens, it's nearly impossible to keep it clear and dry afterward.

These furry friends you see below are a couple of neighborhood pals that Boone was so excited to see at the schoolyard. Diem (seen below), likes to float above the snow at high speeds! He's a rescue dog and was found with a broken leg while left chained-up outside. He is one of the friendliest dogs even through he comes across as a tough-guy. He's very active, loves people and lovesto cuddle. He will only fetch tennis balls thrown into water.

Ellie'sthe cuttie-pie in the pink collar and she's also a rescue pup. She was found abandonedin a field with her sisters and brothers. Richard and Stormy (her two-legged house mates) found her to be the most adorable foradoption. She loves to play even if she's by herself, she does this by tossing toys in the air or biting her backlegs. Ellie's favorite trick is to high-five her human friends. Thissometimes has back-fired, because she high-fives you when you leastexpect it. Which is more like a punch.

Wallace & Boone Meet at Marymoor Park

2011-12-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

Wallace was very patient while posing for the camera, he belongs to Steve a coworker who's a wonderful illustrator, cartoonist and graphic designer. Wallace just turned one on January 2nd, and is still a little apprehensive about diving into water, since he had a bad first experience as a puppy.

He's your typical lab when it come to chewing. Here are some important items that no longer exist. Three sets of ear buds, two cell phone chargers, several DVD boxes and DVDs, one carpet, one loveseat, a myriad of kitchen hand towels, the spines of several cookbooks, one doggie-bed, five potted hydrangeas, and I don't think he’s done yet ... He also likes to chew on rocks and seashells, he's inhaled a 'Kookie chicken' (rubber toy that looks like a rubber chicken only it's intended for dogs as a chew toy, not a meal). Whew!

He wears a leash around the house, so he's easier to grab when needed. But Wallace figured this out, so when he wants to avoid human housemates, he gathers up the leash in his mouth, knowing that he's harder to catch, trots off and waits to be chased.

He lives with his housemates in Redmond, Washington.

Boone yearns the water and would love to get his jowls on a fresh duck!

Frosting on the Camera!

2011-12-03T11:32:00.001-08:00

We stowed away with our canine friends for the weekend in the "Boonies" south of Seattle. What a gorgeous weekend and excellent photo opportunity I experienced. The morning light was spectacular and it only lasted 10 minutes. For all you shutterbugs out there that want to capture better images of your pet, it pays to wake-up a little earlier, watch the light and be ready ahead of time when the light does sparkle before your eyes. The frosting I received, of course was when a little dance of rain showed up, just as the light was at its best. Like I said, plan ahead, be prepared and have lots of fun. Thanks to my beautiful models (and trainers) for such a successful mini-photo session!

Mally is the "Golden" in the golden light.

Bear Essentials

2011-12-02T09:08:00.001-08:00

Bear was a wonderful and very sweet boy to spend the afternoon with
at Golden Garden Park in Seattle. He loves to read, take long walks in
the park and he always has a pennie for his thoughts. ;o)

Thanks Pennie, for the opportunity to meet and spend time with Bear!

Autumn With Boone

2011-11-21T22:41:00.000-08:00

Buster and Boone at Marymoor Park

2011-11-21T21:36:00.001-08:00

	We had the chance to take care of Buster while his parents gambled away his future in Vegas. Ha-ha just kidding, but would love the chance to keep Buster full time at our place. Needless to say he was a pleasure to have in our home and a total sweetheart.

Buster & Boone at Lake Coeur d'Alene

2011-10-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

We took a three day weekend to visit some friends in Idaho.

Canines of the Random Kind

2011-09-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

Old Guys Drool

This is Cricket!

Boone Makes A New Friend!

2011-09-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

An evening with Boone

at Marymoor

Road trip to Lake Chelan

Ready to roll in the back of our Pathfinder

Boone Visits the Browns

Mally and Boone Sleepover

2011-09-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

Marymoor and Boonie

2011-09-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

This is Ziggy


Too Close For Comfort

Boonie finds comfort in the shade under a bench and a unknown little girl.

Boonie Gets Comfortable

2011-08-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

Boone Finds A New Home

2011-08-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

This beautiful 22 month old, 72 lbs. chocolate Labrador retriever was recently returned to his breeder. But only days later a very lucky family adopter him into their home. Here you'll get a small taste of what "Boonie" is all about.

He's sweet, he's smart, he's rambunctious, he's non-stop, he's cuddly, he's so loving and at times a "bull in a china shop"! Did I mention he's rambunctious? Boonie's new parents had a few doubts the first two days he was in their home, but realized he was stressed and a little confused being shuffled between three families in a week. His parents now have no regrets, no matter how rambunctious or energetic Boonie may be, all they know is that he's the perfect fit for their family.

Did I mention my wife and I adopted Boonie?

Carlyle the Great

2011-07-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

This chic cat was all style, elegance and fun while lounging on his lanai overlooking Lake Washington during sunset. All the while Carlyle's flatmate and her good friend traveled to Oahu for holiday. It was my duty to make sure he was fed, pampered and played with while mom was off scuba diving, paddle boarding and sipping on umbrella drinks at the beach and poolside.

Now for a shameless promotion of my recent work from a 5 day
Olympic National Park photography workshop I just attended.

Mally Treads Water

2011-07-03T23:58:00.001-07:00

We went boating with Mally recently, and it was her first time in a boat. Just another warm beautiful summer day in Washington.

One again this is Suri, Mally's housemate.

No More Photos Please!

Marymoor Morning

2011-06-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful poodle's I've seen!

Determination

This is Beemer

White Labrador Retriever.

Watching a group of dogs play before he decides when it's safe
to jump-in!

I spotted this guy being pushed around in Portland, Oregon
in a baby stroller.

Marrowstone Island Getaway

2011-06-08T22:27:00.000-07:00

I MANAGED TO escaped for two sunny days to Marrowstone Island on the Olympic Peninsula. Some how I always succeed in finding the local canines in and around town. How can you not enjoy living in the northwest, even if we do get more rain than the average bear!

BUSTER is one of the friendliest Golden's in town. I'm looking forward to photographing him in Coeur d'Alene Idaho sometime this summer.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches

2011-05-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

2011 Seattle Humane Society Auction
MY WIFE AND I with a group of friends went to the Seattle Humane Society's 22nd annual Tuxes and Tails auction. More than 800 animal lovers gathered at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue for a wonderful event that raised over $870,000 during the event. Local media celebrities showed their support by walking the runway with their own pets and Seattle Humane shelter pets available for adoption.

We certainly were quickly caught up in the event by the fast talking auctioneer who sucked everyone dry of their purses and wallets hard earned money. It looks like we'll be eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the next six months, but it will be well worth the sacrifice!

Since we're in University of Washington Huskies territory this giant stuffed Husky went for a thousand dollars to the highest bidder. What a great deal for our local Seattle Humane Society.

and the grand prize raffle winner is …

Margaret Larson, Host of King 5's New Day Northwest.

David Rose, anchor, Q13 Fox News.

Brian Basset and his four-legged friend on the runway helping to raise money for a great cause. Brian is the wonderful cartoonist that is the creator of Red and Rover and Adam@Home.

Brian Basset's work seen below.

Roxy and Missy

2011-04-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

I HAD THE PRIVILEGE of taking care of these two adorable critters for two weeks, while their two legged dwellers went on holiday. Roxy (black and white) was the social butterfly who loved to greet me at the front door everyday. Roxy begged for attention like the usual canine. If I delayed for more than 30 seconds from scratching her, she insisted by stretching her front paws half way up my leg and rapidly tapping me until she received lots of five-fingered attention. Then lots of purr, purr, purr and head banging to make sure I hit all the right spots.

Missy is totally different, she's shy, quiet and mostly invisible. If I stayed long enough she would appear out of thin air for a short while and disappear the same way. I was able to approach Missy a few times to give her some scratches on her terms and then poof, she was gone! I brought my camera every three days, otherwise I’d never get away from these two photogenic felines.

This is the begging part I told you about, make sure and click to see the larger version.

Next Week Sneak Peek

2011-04-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

Meet Missy and Roxy

Southern Girl

2011-04-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Zoe's an only child and is a very secluded cat of the house. She's quite reserved, especially to strangers. I was told it would be quite difficult to capture her mannerism, personality and character. So my approach was to let Zoe come to me and move as slowly as possible when I began to approach her. These images are in order as I captured Zoe while visiting family in South Carolina throughout the course of a day.

Watching birds at the bird feeder.

Lounging in the sewing room, watching the front yard.

Oops! Sorry Zoe, I didn't mean to show your bad side.

Zoe always wanders into the back bedroom during the late morning and nuzzles herself under the bed comforter for a five to six hour cat-nap. Waking just in time to come out from under her fabric-cave to enjoy dinner.

As you can see here (below) Zoe patiently waits for the camera guy to leave her room so that she can escape into her cozy comforter.

Canines of the Random Kind

2011-04-01T12:02:00.001-07:00

After falling in eighteen inches of snow and unable to get up because I was in my snow shoes and my camera around my neck, this big (harmless) bruiser of a snow dog came bouncing over to me and started barking from two feet away. All I could do was point, shoot and laugh. I guess he was trying to tell me to get up and off the trail because his people were coming.

This is Bailey the bulldog

We met while vacationing at Folley Beach, South Carolina. You
may find many bulldogs in the area since Charleston is home
of the Citadel bulldogs.

Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show 2011

2011-03-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

I ATTENDED THE show for the first time this year. It was a fun day, as I went with all intentions just to see what it was all about. No planning ahead, just me and my camera for four hours. I shot very little if any of the competitions. But I now know what to expect for next year. I enjoyed my time roaming around all the breeders booths and talking with the breeders and photographing their best friends.

If you love dogs I highly recommend getting out to the Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show next year. Bring your dog's with you if you wish, they'll stretch a thousand smiles on your face and you'll have a blast.

Vogue

This is Kohl
His registered name is Bottomsup Guyliner Kohl.

Time for a Pedicure

This beautiful, sweet and loving Pitbull needs a home and is up for adoption. If you're interested in adopting him go to Bullseye Dog Rescue to see if he's still available.

This is Ruby above and Duke is the sleepy head you see below.

D O G • T I R E D

Marlee collecting donations in her orange vest as she lays in the walkway.

Six month old Bull Mastiff

Agnes the Sweetheart.

L O O K ! I Can See Myself

Visiting Mally

2011-03-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

MALLY NEEDED HER favorite sitters for three days. So guess where she wanted to stay? Uncle Chris and Aunt DeeDee's home, of course!

Mally loves to chase her ball, so we headed to our local park. I'd launch her ball several times with the "Chuck-It" then give her a chance to lay and rest for a few moments, out comes my camera, I shoot for two minutes and we do it all over again until an hour passes. It does help that she's so photogenic and could care less that I'm taking advantage of her care-free attitude.

Once again, Mally steals our hearts away, while her parents
are on holiday.

The look I received just before Mally willed me to get off my computer and get outside for some Play-Time!

This was during Mally's cool down period, just before it was time to get into my Pathfinder and go home. It's a good thing I always carry two towels in my rig at all times!

Spencer and Soldier

2011-02-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

Words by the owner

Spencer and Soldier are both bi-color Persians adopted through the same mostly-Persian shelter. There’s a 10-year difference in their ages.

Spencer (11 year-old) was put up for adoption as a kitten and spent time in a couple of foster homes. He had never been an only pet, always part of a big family of cats and dogs. His old health records show that he’s had many names, including the very appropriate “Zorro” considering his black mask and cape-like markings. Spencer was his most recent name.

When I met him, I was in the worse pet rebound: I had lost three of my closest cat friends to age-related diseases (16-, 17- and 19-year olds) within a four-month stretch. My home was void of pets for the first time in many years.

Spencer impressed me in the shelter, and they felt he might get to more fully develop his personality as the only pet in a household for a change. He settled in with me just fine, both of us being fond of routines. He didn’t seem to mind jazz very much (not that he had a choice). He’s always pretty serious, and likes to watch more than participate. He’s a lap cat only on his own terms, and even then will depart abruptly after short periods. He’s not a big eater and that bothers me. I’m always looking for a new food that he’ll show special interest in.

After having Spencer alone for 15 months, the same shelter introduced me to Soldier, a 14-month old. He had been turned into the Humane Society in Portland as a stray, and his coat was badly matted from lack of grooming. The mostly-Persian shelter brought him to Issaquah, waiting until the cuts from a severe haircut cleared up before offering him for adoption.

In the shelter, he was the popular prankster, playing with all the other cats when the cage doors were open for cleaning. They wanted to find a good home for him and figured, since he clearly got along with other cats, he’d be a good fit for Spencer and me.

Of course, neither Spencer nor I had spent any time around a toddler cat in a long time. Soldier has this indefatigable energy—he wants to play from sun up to midnight. He demands play from me, extreme laser pointer attack in particular.

He worships Spencer and so wants to be his constant companion. Spencer doesn’t hiss at Soldier, but he does growl when he feels his personal space is being invaded. And if Spencer runs from the scene, Soldier is on his flank in chase.

Spencer was declawed as a kitten, and I’ve witnessed him deliver to Soldier these rapid paw slaps that have no bite. It seems to have conditioned Soldier to deliver the same type of clawless swats when he plays or tries to get my attention. I honestly believe Spencer has trained him to not use the claws.

Soldier has big appetites beyond play. He eats everything, and demands attention more than Spencer. He also needs grooming more than Spencer, with severe eye stain calling for daily face cleaning.

Soldier has the energy level and rowdy demeanor of the actor Jack Black. Spencer is so much more serious, graceful and often withdrawn, much as the actor Anthony Hopkins. Think of those personalities as housemates!

I think we’re growing into a good unit, and I am so grateful for the time I can share with these guys.

Sweet Annie

2011-01-21T08:40:00.001-08:00

ANNIE WAS A RESCUE from the Seattle Humane Society. She brought loyalty, mischief, laughter, companionship and unconditional love to the Johnson family. Her breed is half treeing dog, half coonhound and maybe a little something else. She was such a sweetheart that always had a soul-searching gaze in her eyes. I was given an amazing opportunity to capture her spirit, character and personality at her home on a drizzly, cloudy day in the northwest.

I will never forget the two hours I spent with Annie during the photo session. She seemed pretty chipper and energetic enough to climb on the sofa, even though she knew there was something different about “legally” lounging on the sofa! Or being told to take treats and shredded cheese from the counter-top without getting in trouble. She loved the attention because she was being fed an endless amount of treats while paying no attention to the camera guy, sitting, laying and standing over her. Annie naturally and peacefully passed away five days later, just after her family arrived home to gather around her.

Annie had an incurable autoimmune blood disease that took her life at the young age of seven. She will be dearly missed.

May God bless her soul.

Taz and Houie

2011-01-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

THESE TWO CANINE buddies I describe as, a one track mind of "ball" (Houie on left) and a bull in a china shop (Taz on right). They were such a fun pair to photograph at their home. They've been inseparable since Taz was brought home as a pup over four years ago when Houie was six years old. They are both slobbering sweethearts and love lounging on the front deck of their home, watching for any and all things in the neighborhood.

Sneak Peek

2011-01-11T22:48:00.000-08:00

Meet Taz and Houston. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet
this canine duo from Edmonds, Washington. See the complete photo
session on Friday.

Golden New Year

2011-01-06T23:31:00.000-08:00

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL way to spend new year's eve, while on holiday in the Lake Chelan area where I discovered the perfect four-legged snow model. While snowshoeing in the beautiful mountains of eastern Washington under crystal clear blue skies and a cool fifteen degrees, Bailey was in retriever heaven bouncing playfully in the pristine pure white snow.

Our paths crossed with Eric and Karen as they cross country skied, with Bailey. I originally saw them taking pictures of each other with their camera. So I walked over to ask if they would like me to get the three of them as a group with their camera. My plan all along was to meet them and ask if I could take a few shots of their beautiful dog. I took about twenty minutes with Bailey, which was time well spent. I could have easily photographed Bailey until the sunset dipped behind the wondrous Echo Ridge mountains which would have been a four hour photo session. There's never enough time … is there?

On Holiday in Chelan Washington

2011-01-06T23:25:00.000-08:00

I FINALLY TALKED Harley into letting me do a photo session with he and his housemates. Photographed in the back garden of his residence. Lake Chelan and the surrounding landscape blanketed in snow in the background.

Many thanks to Rob and Karla!

More Mally Girl

2010-12-09T22:03:00.000-08:00

WE WERE SADDENED to see Mally go back home on Saturday night, but her parent's were so happy to bring her home. Once again our home is as quite as a mouse. Which makes me wonder why don't we go straight to the Seattle Humane Society and bring home a lonely four-legged friend for adoption?! Soon our home will not be so quiet any more. Soon.

These two captures below are from Mally's home in Kirkland.

Suri on the cushions in the background.

What the Doctor Ordered

2010-11-30T21:36:00.000-08:00

MALLY IS A RECENT canine rescue from the Seattle Humane Society. Our friends were kind enough to ask us to watch her while they vacation in a warmer climate. We gladly accepted and have been enjoying every minute of Mally's visit. She is such a lovable, sweet and silly girl to have around our home. We have decided if our friends want to stay in their warm tropical holiday environment for a long time we will gladly and cheerfully take care of Mally, no questions asked. We might even pay them to stay on holiday long enough until our wet and cold weather disappears!

This Stuffing Tastes Awful!

Random Marymoor Park Canines

2010-11-25T23:06:00.000-08:00

Meet Lola

Lola squeezes her water logged fetching ball. Look at the
dogs expression in the background.

Candid Captures at Marymoor Park

This is Tucker

Brian, email me when you get a chance!

Starbucks

2010-11-07T09:12:00.001-08:00

Some of my fine art canine photography will be hanging at the Starbucks
at University Village in Seattle for the month of November. If you would
like to view my work over a cup-of-joe, it's the smaller Starbucks across
from the Apple store parking lot.

Giants at Glacier National Park

2010-10-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

This sister and brother duo (Shekiah on left and Teak on right) were inseparable. I spotted these two giant Malamutes and their owners upstream from me along McDonald creek and knew I had to investigate. They were as gentle as a breeze, and the sweetest and friendliest Malamutes I've come across. They seemed right at home in the wilderness of Montana, but were probably wishing for a few feet of snow.

There's really no size reference here but Teak weighs in a 150 pounds.

Montana on My Mind

2010-10-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

My wife and I traveled to Montana for a three day weekend getaway. What a blessing it was, we had a wonderful time as you can see, the weather was absolutely perfect. The scenery was breathtaking and I always seem to find the best canine companions every where I go. We stayed at the Swan Hill Bed and Breakfast & Lake Cabins in Polson Montana, which is at the southern shores of Flathead Lake. The hospitality and conversation we experienced with the owners, Debbie and Drew was wonderful. We stayed at the cabin and highly recommend relaxing with Swan Hill.

Glacier National Park, McDonald Lake.

I couldn't sleep so what did I do? Take picture of the full moon view that
we had from our Swan Hill Cabin. Capture time: 3:17 AM

Below you will get a glimpse of Debbie and Drew's
furry family members.

BODIE is a crazed fetching, wired-haired pointer.

This feline cutie RILEY was such a friendly cuddle-bug.

How could you ever forget SUGAR, the sweetest of all terriers!

Pretty in Pink

2010-09-08T23:22:00.000-07:00

I thought I would change things up this week and display some different beautiful animals we have out there to discover.

There are two different species of flamingos above. Taken at the
Fort Worth Zoo.

Soaring Freedom

2010-09-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

This majestic national treasure was at a breath taking close distance
off the park road at Ft Flaggler on the east banks of the Olympic
Peninsula. Once this bald eagle was ready to leave it's perch, he
spread his six foot wings and stepped off the branch to freedom
without a single beat of it's wings until he faded into the sunset.

Four-Legs of a Different Scale

2010-09-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

It took a lot of patience to earn this lizards confidence
and respect that I wasn't a danger. I moved 10 feet in
about ten minutes to get the final closeup.

These were captured with my Tamron 90mm macro f/2.8 lens.

Fire & Rain

2010-09-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

Chilly rain brings Suri inside to be lazy by a warm
glowing fire of a Lake Washington waterfront home.

"Dogs come when they're called; cats take a
message and get back to you later."—Mary Bly

"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshiped
as gods. Cats have never forgotten this."—Anonymous

Feline Fervor

2010-09-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

You may not see it or feel it in these images, but
there is definitely some fervor going on. These
images were captured back in April of this year.

"I've met many thinkers and many cats, but the
wisdom of cats is infinitely superior." —Hippolyte Taine

Sophie Soothes

2010-08-29T15:03:00.001-07:00

WE HAD THE privilege to bring Sophie into our home for three days while our neighbors we're out of town. After nearly three months since Rosie has left God's beautiful green earth we were so happy to have this sweet 11+ year old girl keep us busy while warming our hearts.

I must say, there were a few times she took my breath away when I would see her out of the corner of my eye and think, that Rosie was back. Even after turning my head and looking right at Sophie, I still thought she was Rosie for a split second.

I sure hope you enjoy these three days of joy and laughter
we had with Sophie!

Sophie sure lets us know when it's dinner time!

Dogs of Chelan

2010-08-13T10:41:00.001-07:00

DeeDee and I traveled on holiday for five days to the
east side of the cascade mountains for some R & R.

These two beauties where waiting in a pickup while
mom and dad had breakfast at Blueberry Hill restaurant.

This is the delicious Blueberry Hill restaurant.

Harley is my favorite canine of Lake Chelan.

Hanging out in the shade, away from the sun.

Lake Chelan sunset.

Random Canines

2010-07-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

Samson the Great

2010-07-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

How Most People See Me!

2010-07-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

Taken by my good friend Sue Dunn. From back to front
of the line. Tasha, Samson, Phoebe and Hannah.

Home Comforts

2010-07-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

A GOOD HARLEY needs plenty of quality leather nearby for
looks and comfort. He loves to just hang out with the family
no matter where they may gather.

Rob and Harley reading the Sunday morning news.

After all that reading, it's time for a real snooze.

Nose to Toes

Mattress with a View

2010-07-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

Dreaming of a flying magic carpet ride.

Early morning burst of energy.

Harley really can fly!

Focus on the body language.

Did I mention Harley loves to wear eye-liner.

Lazy Summer Days

2010-07-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

NOW I KNOW what it's like to lay belly-down in the middle of a black asphalt road on a warm sunny day. I must be honest, it was quite nice having the heat of the road warm me so quickly that I had a chill quiver over my body. Kind of like that prickly hair sensation that you may have experienced that goes up the back of your neck.

Did I mention that this wasn't just some random idea that crosses my mind. I went to take Harley for a walk and that's about as far as we traveled, just beyond the driveway. So we both, (not really) decided to lay down for a rest. I was at the mercy of Harley because I had the all mighty camera hanging around my neck and was ready for anything. Even if Harley decided to chase rabbits (not really, again) I would be there to capture him in action.

When the Rubber [Harley] Meets the Road

"B" is for Brody

2010-06-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

Brody is about as sweet as they come. He loves the water and will usually lean on you, especially if he's wet. This charming guy was focused on his new water toy every minute of my shoot which made him a "good-boy"! I hope to see more of Brody and his owner Melissa at Marymoor park.

This is what I call a natural duo-tone. No color tones added here.

NEXT WEEK: Harley of Lake Chelan!

Back at Marymoor

2010-06-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

Lost and Found
Ella is half Doberman and half chocolate Labrador.
She is one sweet chocolate blend!

Pomeranian Prince

NEXT WEEK: Meet Brody Boy

Chocolates Heal the Soul!

2010-06-24T18:04:00.002-07:00

Thanks everyone for helping make it a little easier to get us though the loss of our beloved Rosie. Your loving support, advice, greeting cards, prayers, tears, kind words and hugs are something we'll never forget.

It's been great to borrow or visit our friends lovable canine companions. Here you'll see our three favorite chocolate Labrador's (Hannah, Samson and Phoebe) to spend time together. Since Rosie's been gone, the house has been so quiet. It's much more difficult than I had imagined, but I feel it's getting a little easier as each day goes by. A friend recently told me that it's impossible to not think of them in our daily routine each and every day because they do such an amazing job of training us. Ha-ha! That's so true and we think we're the trainers.

2010-06-24T18:04:00.001-07:00

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2010-06-24T17:57:00.002-07:00

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2010-06-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

The Day Has Come

2010-06-11T01:33:00.000-07:00

The news no one wants to hear, but I must share these thoughts to start the healing process. Rosie has gone to "Doggie Heaven".

This Will Be The Day.
August 31, 2009
As I begin to write my thoughts, they come to mind because the days are whizzing by and I don't want to be too late, too late for my words, my thoughts and my feelings. Too late to get hold of myself the day I cannot hold back my tears. Too late for when Rosie's doctor arrives at our front door, we exchange no words, as I open the door wide to let him in and show the way to where Rosie will be laid to rest forever. Here Dr. Mike and I will exchange words in our family room at Rosies bedside, words of prayer amongst friends that I hope to gather in time on that day. The day we all dread the most in our lives. The day a loved one passes on, but first there will be words of procedures and medicine and how quickly things will happen before you even know it has happened.

This will be the day that Rosie becomes wonderful thoughts and loving memories of the blessings she has brought us everyday of her life. This will be the day that she will forever be with us in our hearts and prayers and no longer with us cuddled on the sofa or waiting for a pinch of cereal from my bowl to her bowl every morning. This will be the day that Rosie no longer paces in the back of my Pathfinder on our way to the off-leash dog park but will forever travel with us in our hearts and minds. This will be the day that I begin to think about feeling her ashes sifting through my fingers as a Montana breeze spreads her ashes along the Blackfoot river where her best buddy Sheba lies. This will be the day that I can no longer smell the scent of her fuzzy paws as she lies on her back waiting for that crooked smile belly-scratch. This will be the day that reality sets in and Rosie fades to beautiful memories of countless smiles followed by warm tears, laughter and then a moment of silence.

I don't want to to say "these were the words I should have written before Rosie passed away", I want to say "these are the words I wrote while Rosie was alive". A live wire when it was time for her to go blackberry hunting in the summer. A live pistol when she wanted to go for a walk on the coldest and rainy days of winter. Alive when her nose knew when I opened a jar of peanut butter in the kitchen, while I thought she was asleep upstairs.

This will be the day. I just wanted to be prepared for when this day comes.

God bless you Rosie. We love you and will miss you!

The Day After
June 8th, 2010
As I sit here writing, I cannot help but think of all the wonderful people that Rosie has brought into our life since DeeDee and I brought home 18 month old Rosie from the Bellevue Humane Society after MLK weekend of 1997. We have been dearly blessed by the grace of God who brought Rosie to us and to have so many loving, caring and thoughtful people in our lives that have been there through thick and thin. Thank you all so much and may we always take care of our pets, to the best of our ability because they will always be there for us with an open heart and a listening ear to lean on.

God bless you Dr. Mike and all other veterinary doctors and their staff that face these difficult times on a regular basis.

Hugs and prayers,
Chris & DeeDee

Rosies Photo Timeline Starting from February 1997

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Here are some of the first images I've captured of Rosie. These were before my first digital camera. If it wasn't for Rosie being in our lives I probably would have never really pursued photography as far as I have the last seven years.

These are the first two images (above) I took of Rosie's when we brought her home from the Humane Society in Bellevue.

The red Kong was her favorite toy. We were always stuffing treats and sometimes peanut butter inside. Taken at our first home in Kirkland.

1998

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Snoqualmie Pass.

Lake Chelan in the Summer.

1999

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This was a typical position we would find Rosie during her snoozing.

2000

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Grandma's garden in Roseburg, Oregon.

2001

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No comment!

2002

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2003

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Some of my first digital images of our "Sweet Rose".

2004

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Rosie was happiest when we went to Marymoor Park.

Rosie's Last Days

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Below you will see some of the last images I captured of Rosie up to two days before she past onto a better place. We celebrated Rosie's 15th birthday 5 weeks early because we knew she was running out of time. Yes, Rosie did get to eat one of her red-velvet sweet cakes!

Little did we know she would pass two days later.

Rosie always loved to lay by the open front door and
watch me as I worked in the garden on weekends.

A decorated cement tile we created in Rosie's memory
four weeks before she died.

Rosie You Will Be Dearly Missed By All!

God Rest Your Soul.

.

Rally Rosie

2010-06-04T09:16:00.001-07:00

Rosie has been diagnosed with yet another cancer tumor. This time she has a baseball size tumor that is now part of her liver. We nearly lost her this past week-end but once more she has rallied and is on the mend. Day-by-day she's getting back to her normal routine. Rosie turns 15 years old on July 19th, God willing she'll be there in no time!

Thanks for everyone's support and prayers through this tough time.

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Tulips of La Conner

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April of 2010

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Is That Me!

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Mugsy Is His Name

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This handsome boxer belongs to Troy.

From the Archives

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I've been very busy since the canine workshop I attended last month. So I have unarchived some unseen work from earlier this year. Hope you enjoy!

The Odd Couple

Unleashed Workshop from Dallas

2010-05-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

Here's some of my results from Dallas while I was at Unleashed, fine art pet photography workshop. It was a great experience and I learned more than I ever thought I could in three days.

Check out these amazing photographers:
Bev Hollis from Virginia, near D.C.
Barbara Breitsameter from the Chicago area.
Teresa Berg from the Dallas area.