Day 1439

Two down. Three to go. We've been to today's Santa Paws location before. This venue always has the smallest amount of space to set up our backdrop, but always seems to attract the largest dogs. Our first dog today was a giant Great Dane. When the dog arrived on the set with Santa, there wasn't room for me, so I had to back off and take the photos through the doorway. Next was a woman who wanted all five of her dogs to sit on Santa's lap. That's the kind of day it was. I'd like to think I learn some kind of life lesson from these odd photo shoots, but I don't. People seem to like their pictures though and I guess that's all that matters.

The sleet and freezing rain that everyone was anticipating didn't materialize. The weather was still nasty, but at least there wasn't the worry of driving on icy roads. There are few things worse than driving on icy roads in Texas. Only about one driver in fifty has ever had any experience in driving on ice and when the roads get slick, the highways instantly turn into a demolition derby. I learned how to drive when I was going to high school in Alaska, and I can still remember the basics of driving on ice. Unfortunately, I've discovered that it doesn't really matter if I can keep my car going in a straight line if everyone else can't.

I'm looking forward to watching the new Fiftieth Anniversary episode of Dr. Who later this evening. The premiere was at an odd time during the afternoon, since the BBC simulcast the show in the US at the same time they aired it in the UK. I've got the show recorded however, if the DVR worked. I think I've finally figured out how to work the DVR on the cable box. Even if I didn't record the show properly, I'm sure the BBC will air it again and again for the next six months.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do tomorrow. There's standing water on the roof, but it's very cold and I'd rather stay inside. I still have unfinished articles to write, but I hate to work on weekends. The dogs need a trip to the dog park, but I suspect that the place is a mud pit and will probably be closed. I probably need to go back to the grocery store and get the things I forgot today. I should never go shopping without a list. Who knows what will happen. The entire day is completely up in the air right now. It might even snow.

Petey is today's Dalmatian of the Day

Watch of the Day

Day 1061

One down, four to go. These Santa Paws pet picture events are pretty familiar by now, but there are still some surprises. Today I photographed the largest Great Dane I've ever seen in my life. I've seen plenty of Great Danes, but this one was humongous. He was at least 30% bigger than your average Dane and was still only two years old. This gentle giant was a model of good behavior, something that couldn't be said for many of the smaller breeds that sat on Santa's lap today. Like I've said many times, I have the easy job at these events. It was Santa who had his hands full.

I continue to be amazed at how popular pet photography has become in recent years. I wouldn't be surprised if there were more dogs sitting on Santa's lap this year than children.  Although I mostly take pet pictures to help out my favorite charities, I know of almost a dozen photographers here in Dallas who make taking pictures of people's pets their full time job. Photographing dogs does have its advantages. Unless they're trying to bite you or pee on the set, they are generally very agreeable subjects.

Dot and Dash stayed home today while Janet and I worked the Santa Paws event. Needless to say, they were both very happy to see me when I returned. We took an extra long walk this evening and got to see an exceptionally beautiful sunset. The wind picked up during our walk and you could tell that changes were on the way. The weather forecast says that we might get severe thunderstorms and damaging hail tomorrow. I hope not. We've got another pet related event to attend.

I don't even know if it's worth putting the large pile of photo gear I dragged in from the car a few hours ago away. We've got other pet photography events on deck from now until Christmas. Probably I'll get tired of stumbling over things soon enough and put everything back in its place in a day or two. I'm not going to worry about the clutter tonight though. Tonight, I'm going to go to bed early and rest my aching bones.

Puppies are today's Dalmatians of the Day

Watch of the Day