Pet Parade

He needed rescuing and our family did too after the long illness and eventual goodbye to our other dog months before. Although Bailey could never be replaced in our hearts, we are a “pet family” and that summer without one was odd, out of step, a little too quiet. So by fall along came Sam, a six year old golden retriever who was rejected because of his intense fear of thunderstorms. Although a bit skittish, the pool brings him joy and with a sweet spirit he moved into our lives for good at just the right time.

Fast forward six years and we are rescued again as my youngest daughter prepares to go off to college. While the “empty nest” is a happy, logical new chapter for us, the transition will be made a bit easier by my older daughter’s red cat.  Casey is staying with us this year while my older daughter works and lives where she cannot have pets. The new cat and dog duo get along well and have provided much laughter.  Pets seem to sense when they are needed most, a wagging tail , easy walks with now elderly Sam, a cat’s purr, batting at favorite toys, while both loudly asking for daily treats. 

Summertime is a season of change, but also parades of many kinds.  Along with my blog friend Gayle, we have periodically organized a simple online

 “Pet Parade”, inviting everyone to post photos of their pets.

Today as it marches here at Shutter Sisters, I encourage you to post a photo of your pet, all types, shapes or sizes are welcome. Or perhaps you might post one that you dream of having or even a photo paying tribute to a pet no longer here but held close in your memory.

Let the parade begin…

Image and words courtesy of Honorary Sister/ Guest Blogger Elaine Kean (known affectionately as ELK) of Red or Gray.

obsessions.

Obsessions (noun):the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc.

I have a beautiful tree right in my yard that changes with the seasons and brings me great pleasure.  In the autumn as the tree begins to shed its orange and red leaves, a whole new world opens up to me.  The tree is just outside of my balcony and I'm able to sit quietly in my patio chair and observe the world of the gorgeous finches that grace the tree.  I have to admit: I've become obsessed with these birds.  They entrance me with their expressions, as if they're watching me watching them.  I've never really paid much attention to them before but now, I can't get enough of them.  Even more so, I cannot take enough photos of these little guys.  I'm now known in my house as "The Bird Lady". 

What about you? Is there something that you love to photograph over and over again? Please share...because I don't want to be the only one with an obsession! 

my girl

"A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his." John Grogan, Marley & Me

Finn is one of those quick, unreasonable, whimsical and best decisions I have made in my life. I never thought that I would ever own a dog. Growing up my two turtles died, I accidentally set two birds free and had to return a rabbit. I was convinced that I was not meant to live with animals. But it's been almost 10 years now. And though we've made countless trips to the vet, though she once ate a whole box of pastel crayons and pooped multicolor for a week, though she cannot balance any object on her head, very few things in this world can equal the comfort of her gentle presence, her unwavering loyalty, and the way she makes us laugh every day.

Today I invite you to share the lovely, fun, cute, nostalgic or crazy images (and stories) of the big, small, four-legged, furry or feathered members of your family. Show us the one you gave your heart to. And who gave you his.

King of the Castle

Shooting the personal spaces of creative individuals is such a thrill for me – like getting a peak behind the magic curtain. Several months back I spent the day with my friend Mel in her home, capturing images and video of her, her paintings, and her diverse assortment of once-stray pets. Mel's dog, Lucky, commanded attention that day and worked his way into nearly every image I made... wagging his tail, jumping on furniture, and pawing at Mel as she spoke and pulled out paintings from her too-full flat file. At one point, his nose literally touched my lens.

"When I first brought him home, I thought, gosh, I don't know about this one. He's pretty intense," Mel confessed with raised eyebrows and a chuckle. Then she told me the story about how she had found him in an abandoned pen on a piece of property near her farm. The neighbors had moved and left him behind without a word, food or water. Seeing him here, pictured on his thrown with a clear view of his new domain, reminds me how lucky we are to have people like my friend Mel in this world.

Take us home and introduce us to your beloved pets.

new

What's better than baby animals in the Spring? I love the fact that nature gives us one big POW of beauty all at once. Flowers are blooming, grass is growing, eggs are hatching and baby animals are entering the world. Everything feels fresh and the earth is ready to make it all grow. Now is the time to have your camera on you at ALL times. You never know when you might come across one of these beautiful new creatures.

Share your photos of spring "newness" no matter what it may be!