Waiting on the sidelines to go into the ring for the Hound Group judging at a show last Fall is the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen….the PBGV.  One of my most favorite breeds, this is an active, happy and extroverted rabbit hunter.  I love their scruffy look and happy-go-lucky personality!

My bird feeder is a favorite hangout for raccoons.  In the middle of the night I’m awakened by the cats jumping across the bed and over to the window because they see that the motion detector light is on outside.  That means bird feeder activity and entertainment for them!  Usually it’s either a raccoon or deer that come to visit at night.  I don’t mind …. they need to eat, too!  It’s a good thing that I have cats and not a Bluetick Coonhound like this one that I photographed at The National Dog Show Presented by Purina in November.  Blueticks are great hunters and are very skilled at trailing and treeing raccoons.  What a pretty dog, don’t you think?  I love the hounds!

I love watching Afghan Hounds go around the ring with their handler … fur flying in the breeze!  Such grace and elegance!  This image is from the Lehigh Valley Kennel Club show in Allentown, Pa. last month.  I added a painting effect to the image with the Topaz Impressions Photoshop Plugin.  It’s fun to have a little extra time on this holiday to be creative!