Meet a muttley crew!  ;)

It was incredibly hot and buggy the day we captured these images, but I had a blast meeting sisters Alison and Paula and their cherished canine companions.  We took lots of water (and snack) breaks. They are a great furry family unit, and they all love one another dearly.  Each dog was charming in his or her own way and it was fun to see their unique personalities shine.  Picking the blog teaser was near impossible, Brian had to convince me not to put up 50 images.  ;)

Dog Files:

Lucy - Golden Retriever, 1.5 years, loves her ball,  walks with mom and the gang, and romping with Zeke.

Zeke - Black Labrador Retriever, 1 year, loves Lucy, catching bugs, and making mischief (see below).

Maida - Matriarch Black Lab, 8 years young, loves treats, belly rubs, and exploring. ;)

Zeke. . .watching a bug, and snap . . . it's gone!

Sassy Maida!

 Maida fetching her leash for Paula.

Facing a photo challenge. . .

I was recently asked to capture some photographs at a dog agility class.  I had actually never seen a dog go through an entire course before except for on television.  It was tremendous fun!  While the dogs were hurdling, maneuvering, and walking their obstacles, sometimes at warp speeds, I had my own obstacles to face.

Although I didn't have any teeter-totters to walk, this was my first ever agility session, photographed at night, in mixed lighting with no use of flash, and it was cold enough for me to leave my winter coat on for the entire session.  I'm sure if I had been running around like the dogs I would have been fine, but brrr, my fingers were cold.  Some of these dogs were so fast through the course, I had trouble tracking them and anticipating just when and where they would jump, land, or weave.

Despite my nerves, I had a blast facing this challenge, and I would surely attempt it again.  It was pure joy watching the dogs and their companions go through the course.  Obviously it is great mental and physical exercise for the dogs.  However, it truly seems like a great bonding experience for both as well. 

If you are interested in finding out more, you can check out the Bella Vista Training and Care Center .

Phoebe

Pharoah

Bonnie

 Sawyer - a well deserved high 5!

Seren, learning the obstacles in the puppy class.

More later. . .after the snow!

Thanks so much to those that sponsored me (I raised over $400 in just 3 days) and those that continue to support and help homeless animals all over the world.  This particular fundraiser generated over $40,000!  Wow!  I did the run portion and Brian & Olive did the walk (and swim). ;) 

Olive & her buddy Jackson waiting for things to get started.

 Obviously, Olive did not see the NO SWIMMING sign. . .

A personal review of this event and race: While I think this is a neat event, and it undoubtedly generated a lot of revenue for the humane society, there are definitely some things I think could easily be done to create an even better (and safer) event.  I think a much shorter walk for the dogs for a 5K (which is typically an hour or more of walking) is too long for almost all dogs, and a better marked running course are among a few other changes that will make this a safer, and even more successful event.  This course is definitely not for those looking for their fastest 5K times.  We were told the course is a bit longer than a 5K and there are other hikers, bird watchers, and of course, dogs on the course. 

I see a lot of people bringing their dogs to events like this who are sadly, ill prepared.  I thought I would take the time to remind you that if you plan to do any walks or runs with your dogs, they need to be trained for this type of activity just like all humans do.  Some dogs, no matter what, should never walk this long nor run; add any heat or humidity and you should take some additional precautions.  Dogs don't have sneakers on protecting their paws from hot pavement or the shock of running.  They rely on you to make sure you aren't over exercising them.  Remember, as a human, when you sign up for something like this you are aware of the risks involved.  However, your dog (or even a human child for that matter) does not have the ability to sign themselves up, so you assume the risks for them.  It's up to you to keep their health and safety in mind.  Remember, this event is for the animals!  Woof!