Australian Shepherd, Jack [Ch. Wyndstar’s Honorable Mention], was on hand in Harrisburg over the weekend to “paw-tograph” copies of the book written about him by Josh Dean titled “Show Dog:  The Charmed Life and Trying Times of a Near-Perfect Purebred”.   In addition to signing books and meeting his adoring fans, Jack was also in the ring winning ribbons!  He is adorable and I highly recommend this book!  Thank you to Josh for taking a moment to pose with Jack for this image!

It was early morning on the second day of a three-day show.  The smell of coffee was in the air and folks with their dogs were gathering around their designated rings for the start of a new day.  Cliff Steele and German Shorthaired Pointer, Scarlet, [GCH. Skypoint’s Our River Runs Free] were scheduled to be in the ring at 8:30.  While waiting to be called, they walked around the show hall together – Cliff chatting with friends and Scarlet checking out all of the toys and bones in the vendor booths!   “Hey Cliff…will you buy me a new toy?”

I’ve spent the past two days at the Lebanon County and Harrisburg Kennel Club Dog Shows in Harrisburg, Pa. visiting with friends and photographing dogs, dogs and more dogs!   I have over 1,900 new images to process….oh dear….the down side to a camera that shoots 8 images per second!  The good news is that I will have LOTS of new photos to post on the blog!  One of my most favorite dogs EVER, Malachy [Best in Show, Westminster, 2012] was on hand with owner David Fitzpatrick at Meet the Breeds and everyone loved having  the opportunity to meet him.  I was having fun snapping candids of the kids with Malachy!  In this image one of the youngsters was giving him a little kiss on the nose and Malachy didn’t mind one bit!  What a sweet dog!

I was so sad to learn today that Belgian Sheepdog, Eli, has passed away.  Eli comforted first responders at the World Trade Center site immediately following the terrorist attacks in NYC and was one of the few remaining canine heroes of 9/11.  He was named the 2011 Therapy Dog Ambassador and appeared at The National Dog show with owner handler, Sherry Hanley, in November.  The blog image shows Eli and Sherry after being introduced to the crowd at The National Dog Show.  Sleep peacefully sweet Eli.

One of my most favorite dogs ever, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen “Cupid” [Ch. Celestial CJ’s Hearts on Fire] retired after Westminster this year.  I’m so sad, but happy to tell you that his nephew, “Wills”, is taking over his spot in the ring with handler Greg Strong.  Here they are together at the Delaware County Kennel Club Show in York, Pa. last month.  Wills has a lot of personality, just like his happy-go-lucky uncle Cupid.  I can’t wait to see them again in the ring!