We had visitors in town from Vermont this past weekend, including brand new rescue pup, Otis! Rich & Sarah come from a very boxer-friendly family, and we were so excited to hear that Toro’s new little brother was coming through an adoption. Otis is about 10-months old and full of love. Eventually, I’m sure he’ll also gain some spacial awareness ;-)

Thankfully, the rain stopped at the exact moment that Otis stopped (it was a short moment), and I had my camera ready. The image on the right was given a color boost, just having fun with those wrinkles.

Another special guest showed up and thankfully is here to stay! My new Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS camera lens! These shots are some of my first zoomy goodness from across the table at a familiar Brewer pose.

The lens was officially brought in for the huge task of photographing Border Collies at the New England Border Collie Rescue group’s Dog Dayz of Summer event in Stephentown, NY on August 1st – all breeds are welcome, so maybe I’ll see some of you there?! If you’ve never met one, Border Collies are highly active, and this event will call on frisbee, agility, dock-diving, herding skills and more!

Twist my arm – this new lens was necessary!

Meet Sydney! She’s another lab mix who recently arrived in Connecticut with the American Lab Rescue organization. I don’t know her full story, but what a bundle of labby love – and she loved my squeaky (all organic) elephant!

What I do know is that Sydney went through a pretty traumatic situation just recently when her own leg was caught in her sibling’s choke collar. He suffocated right next to her, the poor thing. I hope that isn’t the reason she was given up.

You gotta love a dog with ears that can do this!

If you’re in love with this little girl, please contact American Lab Rescue!

Stopped by the West Barnstable volunteer fire station today – you know, for the red wall.

Don’t worry, this took place after an hour and a half romp in the Scorton Creek bird sanctuary to make us extra tired and posey.

Thanks boys!

Apparently once of Bronson’s nicknames is “Little B”. Might sound like your average nickname, except that Bronson is huge! Particularly in gusto!

The vet thinks Bronson needs to lose a few pounds, but I think his gorgeous boxy head weighs at least 50 lbs. on its own!

I had so much fun with Bronson and Drew, and their family! Thank you for welcoming me into your home!

Today was one of those days when you learn about something awesome – something that’s right under your nose – but you’re almost too ticked off that you missed it to enjoy it.

We planned to meet the Falmouth dogs in Beebe Woods this morning, but our plans changed due to the simple fact that Cape Cod has returned to glacial ice conditions. A friend quickly recommended we check out South Cape Beach in Mashpee.

This is where it hurts.

We’ve lived here – as in, 12 minutes from South Cape Beach – for over four years. Not to mention I grew up on Cape Cod. We won’t even get into the fact that eight generations of my family have lived on Cape Cod. Why has no one mentioned this beach to us before??

Simply gorgeous. Breathtakingly expansive, peaceful and open to dogs. Did I mention how close it is?

Our friend Kevin met his match in Guinness back in college. She’s now 13 years old and they continue to love each other with all their might.

Guinness likes to play Fun-Cop, stopping other dogs around her from playing. She also has a crazy reaction to Kevin’s flatulence – something I’m sure she was tormented with in the fraternity years!

As a reminder, if your own pet is growing wiser or suffering from an illness, I’ll always make our photo session a top priority. You may feel it’s difficult to remember your pet that way, but capturing the personality within Guinness’ gray whiskers is 100% of her charm!

Just thought I’d highlight another dog I photographed from American Lab Rescue! This is Bo. He stayed at Roaring Brook Kennels in Canton, CT before being adopted.

If anything, bringing our own Brewer – a lab/hound mix – home last spring has been a major advertisement for how gorgeous a shelter dog can be. If you really want a pure breed, there’s most certainly a rescue site out there for you!

Just look at this face!

Phase 1: Adopt lab

Phase 2: Get lab to enter water, gradually over head in pursuit of stick or ball

Phase 3: Get lab to stop splashing and begin the correct and efficient use of webbed paws while swimming

Phase 4: Lure dog onto boat with tennis ball

Happy to say Brewer’s first boat ride was a big success this past Saturday evening! He loved the flats at Sandy Neck during low tide, and he sniffed his first striped bass. He even rolled over on his back for a rub on the way back to the docks.

Success!!

I visited Roaring Brook Kennels in Canton, CT this month – temporary home to Reesie and Brent.

The dogs were adorable, and I do hope the photos help find them a home! Whenever you visit a dog in a shelter or kennel, they often come out tugging and pulling and barely looking at you. I’m sure this turns people away from pooches that – like ours – end up coming home to be the most relaxed (to a fault!) and lovable dogs ever.

Reesie, the dog in this photo, struck a chord for me. She’s been waiting for her new family for a while now. All she needed was a little time, focus and confidence on the other end of the leash before she opened her heart and relaxed her gaze. She then sat stoically with me for as long as I needed.

Find these guys and others at American Lab Rescue!