Wow, where did the last 7 days go?  It's been a week since my last post, the longest dry spell since this version of the blog went live back in April of 2008.  I've missed you, blog.  Rest assured, though, I've been prepping for the busy fall photography season that started this weekend, so I'll have lots of images to share over the next several weeks.  In fact, a little sneak peek of one of this weekend's sessions will be up sometime tomorrow. In the mean time, speaking of resting here's Miss Mia chilling in her kennel tonight.  Kylie and I are very proud of our little girl... she's recently learned to go in her kennel all on her own before we leave the house.  Sometimes, like tonight, she just goes in there on her own when she's tired even if we're home.  I just put the camera on the ground, cranked it up to ISO 4000, and got lucky on the first try when I took this image without being able to see through the viewfinder.  Shaggy girl... she's gettin' a hair cut this week, though.  She looks thrilled, doesn't she?

Took my socks off last night while I was watching some late night TV and fell asleep.  When I woke up, Mia had done a fashion makeover on the socks.  When this trend blows up and you see it on the GAP mannequins, remember... you saw it here first.

I'm currently taking pre-orders for holiday gifts.  Available with matching gloves and hand towels.

It's been awhile since Mia's made the blog.  In fact, she's feeling a little neglected, especially since other dogs have been featured recently. To get back in good graces with here, here's a couple quick iPhone videos showing what she's been up to. In this first clip, she's "up to" about 4 and a half feet.  I had let her outside to, um, take care of some business when our next door neighbor, Chase, rang the doorbell to drop some stuff off.  Mia, hearing the doorbell from outside in the back yard, always wants to be the greeting party, so she was trying to get the 411 on who was in her house.

And in this second cameo, she's having a panic attack seeing and hearing a squeaky toy in a car commercial on the TV.  Not sure the makers of this commercial thought about the reaction dogs at home everywhere across the country would have when they pitched this commercial idea.  Or maybe they did, and they secretly laugh every time it comes on.

God wired me with a K9 chromosome.  For as long as I can remember I've been a fan of most animals (excluding horn worms), but dogs have always been at the top of my list.  I hate that stupid SPCA commercial with Sara McLachlan; every time I see it, it makes me want to adopt every dog they have.  That's why this particular session was so enjoyable. Meet Connor.  Like the dogs in the commercial, Connor was rescued when he was just a couple months old when he was found on O'Connor Blvd (I'm assuming I don't have to explain to you where his name came from), and Ellen, one of the women Kylie works with, gave him a fresh start in a loving, nurturing home.  Fast forward to several years later, and Connor is now a sweet, friendly, gentle, loyal companion to Ellen and her husband.  When I asked what breed he is, I liked Ellen's response. "One of a kind.  An Original." Yesterday Kylie and I met up with Ellen and Connor at the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve to capture a few images of this big ol' teddy bear.  Here's a few of my favorites.

BTW, please don't mention these images to Mia.  She doesn't know we were out playing with another dog yesterday, and we'd just assume keep it that way.

My friends Jerry & Tina are facing the most difficult, compassionate decision any dog lover has to deal with later this afternoon.  Their incredibly sweet boxer Ally has been aging gracefully until the last several months, and while her love for her family is as strong as ever, her body can no longer keep up.  Her nearly 10 yr old hips and back legs are worn out, and she is struggling to keep herself up. So later today, Jerry and Tina have decided it's time to free Ally from her pain.  I tear up just thinking about it, but as difficult as it as for them, I know they're grateful for the long life she's been given and the joy she's brought into their lives.  Jerry even went to the store tonight and got a big juicy T-bone and grilled it up for Ally; a fitting treat for this loving, loyal and regal companion. If you think about it and feel s inclined, please say a little prayer for strength and peace for them today around 4pm and that they would find the right words to console & comfort their daughter Trinity as they talk to her about Ally. These 2 images from the archives are my favorites of this old girl.  Rest well, sweet Ally.