Meeting New Canine Friends at the Dog Park

I visited the local dog park today to practice photographing dogs in a variety of situations.  I had a blast.  The dogs were full of energy and having lots of fun.  The dogs loved playing tug of war with a a knotted rope and splashing in the water.  I met some nice people too.

Most of the photos were taken in shade without flash in the late afternoon creating nice soft shadows.  I used knee pads and stayed low to the ground so I would be on their level. 

Here's a few of the better images.  Bailey (below), a beagle mix, was staying close to her owner.

Nala, a Pit Bull King (or Cane) Corso mix puppy was full of energy, most of the time.

Dex and Nala were having fun playing tug of war.

Casey's favorite activity at the dog park was playing in the water.

The SMAWL Animal Fair in St. Mary's County

I attended the 8th annual  SMAWL Animal Fair on May 12^th with my husband to see all the cute critters.  There were many visitors with every breed of dog imaginable. I saw a cocker spaniel that looked just like my 2nd dog (awww) a beautiful white samoyed, a beagle and russian wolfhounds just to mention a few.  Dog service groups abounded including Greyt Expectations Greyhounds, All Shepherd Rescue, Doberman Assistance, Northern Chesapeake Sheltie Rescue, SMAWL Cats, Golden Retriever Rescue, Snowflake Society (horses), the Tri County Animal Shelter, and even the Hedgehog Welfare Society.  Fair visitors could buy doggie clothes from Custom Dog Jackets, adopt a pet or buy candles.  Also in attendance were many of the local veterinarians like VCA St. Mary’s Animal Hospital, All Kinds Veterinary Hospital, and the Well Pet Clinic. Kennels galore were in evidence too like Chesapeake Pet Resort & Day Spa, Farmstead Kennels an Indian Bridge Kennels & Suites.

 We had a lovely conversation with a woman from Pets on Wheels.  They bring therapy pets to nursing homes, assisted living facilities and Veteran’s homes to help improve their health and cheer the local residents.  We watched Dakota’s Legacy Horse demo with several horses walking backwards and a young cart horse driver.  We chatted with the pet photographer, Gary Garcia from ImageZ Galore Photography, Inc., watched a dog fitted with doggles (dog goggles) and met a piglet.  Fun activities included a musical dog sit, an animal pet parade and woof it down pie contest and a silent auction. It was altogether a fun time for pets and their people.

More Pet Photography Showing their Personality

I photographed 3 dogs recently.  One of the dogs had a cute little move when we got her attention, she lifted up her paw.  I managed to get this little move in my pictures.  I thought it was adorable.  She had very expressive eyes too.  Part of the goal in photographing pets, is to show their personality.  I visit pets in their homes (or a nearby park), so they will be comfortable and more likely to be themselves.