2014, Day 156 - Lined up

Look at these darling girls!  As if my life wasn't dog-centered enough this week I had a puppy fix this afternoon.  At four weeks old these pups are just starting to explore their world with newly opened eyes.  They aren't afraid of people but they aren't yet excited by them either.  There are eight in this litter and after having a bit of milk the big boy walked over and rested his head on my foot.  Soon one of his siblings joined him and in minutes I had all eight cuddled up against me and I can tell you it was wonderful.  I can't wait to see how these little monsters turn out when their noses come in and their legs grow a bit as they're just beginning to grow their points.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 56/f1.2R
56mm, f1.2, 1/160 sec @ 3200 ISO

2014, Day 130 - Dancing in dandelions

Little Luna is a precocious puppy as most are but she manages to take it a bit further than in the norm.  When we took her out with her brother to play in the pasture she did her part and he couldn't keep up with her.  As they started to tire she decided it was time to go back up to the house and, instead of waiting on us, she slipped through the small gap under the gate and when she the told to return she walked through the field fencing like it didn't exist.  Mind you it was a tight fit but she wriggled through without any apparent difficulty or hesitation.  I think this one is going to be something remarkable :)

Canon 1D X, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f4, 1/2000 sec @ 100 ISO

2014, Day 120 - Love

Normally I try to mix up my postings but I am feeling the need for more puppy love.  A friend of mine said goodbye to the dog that started his love of all things canine tonight which reminds me that we all need to give our pets a little love and capture their moments of joy while we're able.

This is Spec, of yesterday's photo, chewing on his sister Luna.  It isn't just that she seems unfazed by his nibbling but she enjoys it.  If you can't tell she was about to take off running again and her slightly round brother then struggled in vain to catch up.  Puppies have this magical ability to make all think seem right in the world.

Canon 1D X, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
145mm, f4, 1/2000 sec @ 100 ISO

2014, Day 119 - Joy

I had the pleasure of a sunny day and a visit with Frankie's niece and nephew.  Of the seven only one hasn't gone home yet but she will in a few weeks but until then Spec has his sister Luna as a buddy.  Luna is the runner of the two and he is struggling to keep up but I suspect he likes not being the "bunny" when they play.  It was a beautiful day and they ran until they were exhausted but the whole time it was obvious that they were having a blast.  Below is Spec running and grinning as he chases his sister across the field.

Canon 1D X, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f4, 1/2000 sec @ 100 ISO

2014, Day 88 - Munchkin

This little booger is another one of Frankie's nephews.  I get to see these guys every week and now, at six weeks, they look more like the dogs they will become and less like fuzzy potatoes.  They've been remarkably outgoing their whole lives; before their eyes opened they sought out people by following the sound of their voices.  Now that they are confident movers they're into everything but what they like best is people.  There is naked adoration in the looks they give to all their visitors and while I suppose it might make some people jealous that they aren't the favorite I'm endlessly impressed with just how much they love everyone.  I've been around a number of litters and these guys are quite special.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
70mm, f5.6, 1/250 sec @ 160 ISO

2014, Day 79 - Pillow

Siblings make good pillows, that's what Nova told me today...

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 56/f1.2R
56mm, f1.2, 1/125 sec @ 2000 ISO

2014, Day 75 - Adoration

This is Frankie's four week old nephew Speck.  Last week his eyes opened and be began to explore the world around him and today Speck is gaining confidence as he explores the world around him.  Speck's life thus far must have been wonderful because he, like his siblings, is afraid of nothing, everything sets  his tail wagging and everyone is a new friend.  When we set him on his posing table he just looked with adoration at my friend Karen who was hovering inches away in case he started to move too close to the edge.  It wasn't a problem but you can see he much he loves her already.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 18-55/f2.8-4R OIS
40.7mm, f5.6, 1/180 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 65 - Squish

Puppies are just so squishable and I like that this little man is smooshing his sister.  At three weeks old their eyes opened only a few days ago and they are starting to explore the world around them.  Their mom Sky is getting tired to taking care of the kids as she is used to being spoiled but when we were visiting she happily allowed the monsters to nurse as long as she was getting attention.  While petting Sky I reached out to touch one of her little boys and his tail started to wag so I began stroking his face which got him very excited.  He stopped nursing and climbed over mom to visit with me.  When things like that happen it really weakens your resolve.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f1.4, 1/125 sec @ 2500 ISO

2014, Day 51 - Potatoes

Today I got to visit Frankie's new nieces and nephews.  They're still little white potatoes but already I see so much potential in the grubs.  Sky, their mother, is so attentive and devoted to her babies even though she would rather be with her people and the other big dogs.  It won't be long before their eyes open and they really start exploring their surroundings and then they will grow noses and legs and eventually they will be beautiful pointy dogs.  Until then I will enjoy this pile of sweetness.

Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
70mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 8000 ISO

2013, Day 348 - Bunny

More photos from last week's play day at my friend Karen's house.  It was a cold day, the temperatures never got above freezing, and Frankie refused to leave his warm spot to go play after his morning walk so I went by myself.  Fortunately Frankie's brother Sand was happy to be my date so I didn't feel like a third wheel.  And I got to play with puppies, five month old little-man puppies, but they're still a lot of fun.  Pictured is Jaeger being chased by his brother Kenichi and their friend, and Frankie's niece, Solo swooping in from the side.  Jaeger and Kenichi are such funny boy, they play loud and cuddle well; I can't wait to see how they turn out when they're all grown up because they're showing a whole lot of potential.

Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f5.6, 1/800 sec @ 320 ISO

2013, Day 269 - Ready to romp

This is my friend Jo's baby, well, to be fair this is her husband Glen's puppy.  He came to the last race meet and charmed the pants off of just about everyone.  Bouncy and afraid of no one, he was soon friends with everyone!  He really enjoyed watching the big dogs run and I am sure that when he gets a bit older he will take everything he's learned from watching and burn up the track.

Canon 1D X, Canon 300/f2.8L IS
300mm, f4, 1/640 sec @ 640 ISO

2013, Day 198 - Rivalry

These two are not quite six months old and although they have a little more growing to do they are just stunning.  Mocha, the little girl about to be eaten by her sister, looks just like her mom.  Pagani is a bit of a monster but she is a happy girl who knows no fear.  She demanded to be with the adults when she was three months old and when it came to play time they were afraid of her instead of the other way around.  I don't know if they're going to be fast but they sure love to run!

Canon 1D X, Canon 300/f2.8L IS
300mm, f7.1, 1/1600 sec @ 200 ISO

2013, Day 119 - Family hunt

These are Nike and Hilevi's pups and they were getting their first look at the lure.  Shelby is in front but seems to be a little more cautious than her sister Pagani who is leaping for the lure.  Their natural curiosity will start the chase but they are young so they are only allow to run short distances.  With a moving target it is easy to encourage them to strain themselves and cause growth-damaging injuries.  They can play until they drop but racing is something you have to grow into.

Canon 1D X, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f5.6, 1/1000 sec @ 160 ISO

2013, Day 71 - Angelic

Sweet Shelby isn't as much a lover as her sister Mocha.  She is an explorer and at just six weeks she's ready to take on all life has to offer.  When the pups were moved from their private room to a luxurious pen near all the other adults it was Shelby who walked up without a hint of hesitation.  Her tail was wagging furiously and she tried to taste her uncle Taj's nose as her came to visit.  Most of the adults had not met the puppies yet and were very curious but the whole litter followed Shelby's lead and met them all through the safety of the pen.  Right now they are still to small and fragile to get play time with the big kids but it will come soon enough...

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
70mm, f11, 1/250 sec @ 200 ISO

2013, Day 54 - Itchy

I had quite a treat today, time with puppies!  They are four weeks old to the day and are just now entering their adventurous phase.  The world is ripe for exploration and while it is all good fun it doesn't take long before they are ready for a meal and the comfort of a cuddly nap with their siblings.  I think Mom is ready for them to start eating solid foods as they are a little abusive in their nursing and I expect it won't be long before the transition is started by right now they still mob her at meal times.  Fortunately her only son is happy to show his appreciating by grooming Mom's head after he has had his fill.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
70mm, f2.8, 1/125 sec @ 6400 ISO