the scruffies of SDP ~ {Ontario pet-exclusive photographer}

especially when it comes to the fall season, when we have quadruple the bookings on the schedule just to fit everyone in, when i’m working the cameras almost every day, and sorting and processing thousands of photos, sometimes the last thing i’m compelled to do is pick up a camera and add more to that seemingly endless backlog.   as a result, the scruffies tend to become the shoemaker’s kids who have to run around barefoot.

but yesterday, after five shooting days in a row, we decided to drag the equipment out on a walk to capture a few photos of the scruffies in action.  a few have been posted up on the scruffy dog photography facebook page already … but here are some more.

just heading out …

the look i get when i ask her to ‘wait’ at the top of a hill … first i get some awesome, alert stances, and then it’s like: “seriously, take a picture!  it’ll last longer, lady.  i got places to be!”

merrick always stops when he sees me stop …

and if i’m squatting too long with the camera, he comes flying back …

while matea is all about the hunt … always searching to scare up something … although this hike didn’t turn up anything to chase.

and merrick has become quite an adventurer himself, in spite of his very miserable beginnings … in spite of being at least 7 years old, merrick still acts like a puppy (i have no doubts he was removed from his mother too early) … and as a result, he turns to matea to direct and guide him through this new world of his.

and with matea as has guide, it’s no doubt that his hunt drive has gone from zero to ten … always on the lookout for voles (a much wiser quarry than the coyote he tried to chase down last winter!)

still with his eyes on matea …

a year and a half since his rescue, i think you’d be hardpressed to find a happier dog …

and at ten years of age, matea sill has the moves …

in all the years of photographing my girl, countless running shots, i don’t have a single shot like this one … with he ear fringes flying …

and, as always,  matea’s tongue was definitely along for the hike …

and this is why i love shooting in November … all the dried grasses are absolutely beautiful.

weeee!!!!

and near the end of the hike, we had some awesome light to work with …

and no dog … but a spider …

i hope you enjoyed this little break from scruffy clients.  i know matea and merrick certainly did!  have a great Monday, everyone.