Slice of Nice

And Romeo make 5, months that is!  I’m working on the 2010 Arizona Border Collie Rescue calendar.  I first met Romeo when he was a puppy at Travel Hounds USA.  Romeo’s Mom is my friend, Layne, who owns Travel Hounds.  Ever since I’ve know Romeo, he’s been a very shy border collie and only warms up to you if you are worthy.  I was delighted to take pics of Mr. Romeo when he was a pup and this is one of my favorite pics and probably will show you his personality more than I can describe.

Owning a store full of agility equipment, you would think that Layne would have an agility dog - and as I see it - she finally took a step to the dark side and was going to try out her BC agility dog.  However, Romeo had different ideas.  There was something about agility that he wasn’t really keen on, so one day, Layne does what every BC owner seems to do at one time or another - she went herding with her Romeo. Most of those who run off to herd fall in love with the sport.  I think it’s something about watching your dog do what they were bred to do.

As a photographer, it’s really hard to capture the herding shots you think you should be taking.  For instance - the dog working the sheep.  I have always wanted the shot with the herd in the forefront and the BC coming around them.  But, alas, sheep and herding dogs don’t go where photographers want them to go.  So, I go for one of my other favorites - the BC watching his sheep.

I also love to focus on the sheep - because they seem to be talking in some of the shots.  Or they just look plain vacant.  I would title this one “Sheep Talk”:

As a dog lover, I really enjoy watching the border collies herd.  It is just fascinating that they know this stuff to the core of their being.  Watching Romeo herd was especially fun because I have known him since a puppy and Layne’s struggles with his shyness and finding something that he likes to do.  Romeo, the herding dog, is COMPLETELY different from the Romeo I’ve met.  He is full of confidence and walks with a completely different air about him.  I have no doubt that the calendar picture we pick for him will be of this new Romeo on his way to being a herding dog extraordinare!

The Arizona Border Collie Rescue 2010 Calendar should be available for purchase in September 2009.  Keep an eye here for ordering information!

Bella is excited for Christmas!

Meet Bella the Border Collie!  She came by the studio for her Christmas pictures and was a very good model!  Most photo shoots can take up to an hour.  We take time to get the pup used to their surroundings and then we start to ask them to pose.  Some dogs sniff around.  Some are not sure what this lady with this big black thing with a bright light is doing.  And sometimes all you get are blurs chasing the screaming monkey that you just threw to get their attention.  

But not Bella!  She came in, looked around and then went right to work!  She got dressed in her best jingle bell collar and took direction very well.  She was finished in 15 minutes, record time!  

With 8 days left for Christmas, I have a present suggestion for the hard to buy for person in your life.  Why not donate to your favorite animal charity.  I think Bella might like it if you gave to Arizona Border Collie Rescue, even though she is not a rescue.  It’s the time of year to be as generous as you can and it can be a great gift to your friend, the charity and your taxes!  Thank you for giving if you can!

(If you click on any of the images in this blog, you will see them bigger!)