Monday, May 23, 2011

A dog's life

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." (Milan Kundera)

"My dog is usually pleased with what I do, because she is not infected with the concept of what I "should" be doing." (Lonzo Idolswine)

You're all familiar with Pavlov's conditioning experiments with dogs. It seems I've been unconsciously conditioning Sasha as well - as soon as I zip up the camera bag, she jumps to her feet, even from a deep sleep, and she's ready to go out with me. She never complains about where we go, or how long I take, or what postures I adopt to make a shot - as long as she gets to go. Here she is enjoying herself on a recent shoot in our front yard.

(10-22mm  f11  1/10 sec  ISO100)

(70-200mm  f11  1/20 sec  ISO100)


26 comments:

Ruth Hiebert said...

She also makes a good photo subject.

becky said...

Great quotes, Rick!
Every time I see Sasha in your photos, I just want to give her a big hug! She's beautiful, and it seems a wonderful companion!

Elizabeth Grimes said...

Sasha is a beautiful dog! What a sweet, loyal friend.

darlin said...

Rick that second shot of Sasha is priceless, she shows such character, patience and love. I love how she knows the zip of your camera bag, Abbie knows different sounds as well and when she hears them she's out the door before I am if she can get by me! Dogs are amazing animals, I love how they never complain where we're going, for how long or what we choose to do, just as long as they can come they're happy. I could take lessons from my dog! lol Have a great evening!

Bitch said...

We should all take lessons from our
animals.
What a great companion you've got!
I have a cat and its not the same...
Regards!

Jenny Woolf said...

Such enthusiasm really lifts the spirits. What a lovely dog!

Sharon M said...

Looks like a fine beast!

Rick said...

Yes she does ;-) Thanks Ruth.

Thanks Becky - I'll give her a hug and say it's from you ;-) I loved these 2 quotes.

Thanks Elizabeth - we can learn a lot from dogs !

If only people were as easy to please, or as eager to please, the world would be a much nicer place, Darlene ! You couldn't ask for a better companion !

Rick said...

You're right, Monika ! Thank you. A dog will come when it's called; a cat says "I'll take a message and get back to you" ;-)

Right, Jenny - unless a dog is sick it's always eager to do something or go somewhere. Thank you !

Thank you Sharon - I agree (but I'm a little biased ;-)

Tiago Braga said...

Nice photo! the dog looks so lovely and amazing! :D

Leslie said...

she's such a good dog - what breed is she? love the quotes, so much.

Leovi said...

Very tender portraits with excellent colors and nice lighting, very nice. I love that dog.

Dawn said...

LOOK at the eyes on her. SO sweet. You captured character...especially the 2nd one!

imac said...

A mans best friend, and she's a beauty Rick.

Soraia said...

So beautiful!

Thank you for the comments, it means a lot to me

Saz said...

Awweh Rick! Sasha is absolutely gorgeous! Can I steal her? :P

Seriously though. She is so lovely, and those photo's are amazing! I totally love the quotes you've put in too! (:

"A dog wags his tail with his heart" <- One of my favourites. Can't remember who said it though.

Fábio Martins said...

I love this dogs! The last one is fantastic :D

Lisa Gordon said...

Dogs are such wonderful creatures, and Sasha is just beautiful!

pumpkydine said...

A true companion! I especially like the second shot.

Rick, on your picture issue of not enlarging properly after the post: if nothing has changed with your camera settings, it sounds like something has changed the default setting on the HTML editor. I am way over my head here but there are various questions that have been ask on "Blogger Help" similar to your problem. If you haven't gone there, try it and just type in the problem and it will carry you to similar issues with a fix for some of them by a blogger guru. You may have to change your question wording until you get to an issue like yours. Sorry I can't be more help but I don't know anything about programing/changing the HTML editor. Good luck! Randy
I did notice that it seems to have changed on your series of pics about the Trillium on May 9th.

magda said...

It is the perfect company!!
No whining, no complaining, just waiting with love ...
It's gorgeous dog, Rick!
Please to give him a kiss from me!
Many greetings

Jeanne Frances Klaver said...

Oh so gorgeous! She can be my loyal companion any day; such an intelligence in those eyes!

Here I Am Carrie said...

Oh you just made me miss my dog. He has been gone 2 years now almost. I am a bit more weary now walking in the forest without a dog. I never thought twice about it when I had a dog beside me. However I do see way more wildlife here then I have ever seen. What a wonderful companion you have.

Rick said...

Thank you, Tiago !

Thanks Leslie - she's a Samoyed. You couldn't ask for a more loyal and friendly dog (although she does have a bit of 'attitude' ;-)

Gracias, Leovi. She chose the location (under the bushes) - created nice filtered light.

You're right Dawn - I agree completely (but I'm a little biased ;-) Some people say she's spoiled - I think I'm just well-trained ;-)

Rick said...

Thank you Stewart !

Obrigado Soraia, and you're welcome.

Ha ha Saz - no, you can't steal her, but I'll let you pet her if you come over ;-) Thank you - I agree - and she has a lot of spirit ! So right with that quote too !

Thank you, Fábio !

I agree totally Lisa - on both counts. Thank you.

Rick said...

Thank you Randy. And thanks for offering help on my blogger issue - I finally found the answer.

Thank you Magda - yes, the perfect companion for photo shoots ! I gave her a kiss AND a hug from you ;-)

Thank you Jeanne - she is a very smart dog, and she can always tug at our heartstrings with those eyes - she's very adept !

Thank you Carrie - we've lost a few dogs too over the years - it's difficult. Sasha is a great companion - even out in the woods; you're right about the wildlife, however, although she does flush it out.

Saz said...

Awweh that sucks Rick! I'd look after her! ;) Haha. Yay for pets! And cuddles. :P