#paws4ever

When we were in the process of getting Darcy, Nate and I each had our wish list of what we wanted in a dog.  Of course, we can't really control these things when we are picking a dog, but still we had certain expectations that we were hoping would be fulfilled.  No pressure, Darcy.

Nate wanted a dog who could swim and who could catch a frisbee.

Check.

Check.

I wanted a dog who would cuddle and go on runs with me.

Check.

And...

So the running thing wasn't really happening.  Darcy's still a little too young to go on long runs but I still wanted to train her to run next to me for short distances.

I tried a few methods of training her to run.

My first attempts involved lots of piece of hot dog that I would periodically treat her with.  It worked well when I had the hot dogs but once I was all out.. forget about it.

My second attempt was to start a routine with Darcy.  I would take her around my block each morning to try to get her used to running.  Well, that didn't go so well either.  She would run.  But it was incredibly slow.  She would be as far behind me as the leash would allow.  I tried to use my Pure Barre instructor tactics to give her words of encouragement.  "Fight for that change in your body!"  She was happy as can be the entire time as she trotted along.  But oh so slow.

I wasn't completely ready to give up and when I heard about a local trail run that allowed dogs, I decided to sign us up.  My expectations were low.  It was only a 2 mile run and I figured worse case, we would just have a nice long walk together.  The event was hosted by Paws4ever and benefited their shelter and animal protection.  To find out more about this incredible organization, click here.

When the race started, I was completely surprised.

Darcy sprinted off.

She ended up basically dragging me the whole way.  Her competitive instincts must have kicked in.  I was impressed that she was able to navigate the trail -- it was quite twisty-turny.  But she knew exactly where to go.  She even stopped to relieve herself at which point someone passed us.  After we started off again she got on their heels and we passed them.

And she won!

We were the first person-dog duo to cross the finish line.

I was so proud.

So proud.

Love my little champion puppy.

So Nate and I both got what we wanted :)  I guess it just has to be some sort of competition in order to get her going.

Hello!  Happy Labor Day Weekend!  I hope everyone's weekend is off to a great start.

My day started by teaching two Pure Barre classes.  I don't know if there is a better way to get my energy up and ready for the day.

Then we headed out to the Food Truck Rodeo in Durham.  I was desperate to hunt down American Meltdown.

It was a success!

And I have to say, it was delicious!  I had the Pigs 'n' Figs melt.  I've been on a fig craze lately and it really hit the spot.  We also tried the fried brussels sprouts which were THE BEST.

We hunted down the Paws4Ever food truck, Waggin' Waggon and treated her to some treats and peanut butter puppy ice cream.

(Here's Darcy and Nate hiding in some shade -- it was a hot one in North Carolina today!)

Have you all heard of Paws4Ever?  They are a guaranteed-adoption animal shelter and sanctuary.  They organize lots of fun events in the Triangle area.  I'm gearing up for their Anniversary Celebration Walk/Run that takes place this November.  I'll post soon about mine and Darcy's training plan and the successes/failures I've encountered with trying to get my dog to run with me. :)

It was a beautiful day today for a food truck rodeo.

Tomorrow, it's off to the lake!

If you are familiar with downtown Hillsborough, NC, you may have seen an enormous animal standing outside of Billsborough Music Hall that at first glance appears to be a bear.  People will literally pull over and stop to gawk and photograph this creature.  

This creature's name is Moose and he is a chocolate Newfoundland. Moose weighs in at a hefty 176 pounds and is a local celebrity.  

I first saw Moose when I was walking around downtown Hillsborough during their Last Fridays Art Walk night and saw a crowd of about 30 people surrounding him.  Being a pet photographer and of course a pathetic dog lover, I knew I had to photograph this dog!  

Fast forward a few months and one of my photos is being used for the promo poster for MooseFest, a music festival benefitting Paws4ever. Moose is of course the poster dog / mascot for the festival which takes place on October 12, 2013 from 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM.  

Paws4ever is a guaranteed-adoption animal shelter and sanctuary dedicated to improving the lives of cats and dogs through adoption, training and education.  Their adoption center is based in Mebane, NC.

If you are looking for a fun Saturday night event, be sure to check out MooseFest! 

Oh, and here are some highlights from my shoot with Moose!