There will be no fundraising book this year.
There will be no fundraising book this year.
There will be no fundraising book this year.
It’s almost like I’m trying to convince myself. As I write this, my husband is next to me on the couch and if he were to look over, he would probably say, “There damn well better not be!”
My two fundraising books, Paws of the Panhandle in 2021 and Paws of the Inland Northwest in 2022, raised a combined $10,000 for rescues local to the region. It was thrilling to get 45 and 35 clients, respectively, through the door and to be busier than a one-legged man in a cat-kicking contest.
But that was problematic too. I went into burnout quickly both years and neglected what should be my No. 1 priority, my family.
A Bella update
On Dec. 23, Bella was supposed to be resting a suspected sprain or strain to her right hind knee. Instead, she took off on a little zoomie in the backyard while the aforementioned husband was shoveling snow off the patio.
I was inside and heard a yelp.
Since then, she hasn’t been able to put weight down on that leg. We’re sleeping downstairs – husband on the couch and me on a camping cot – to keep her from trying to climb stairs. We’re carrying her inside and outside to go potty.
(People, she is 90 pounds and gaining. This is no easy task.)
We have a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon next week to talk about TPLO surgery. We still have a long road ahead … long nights on a barely comfortable cot.
As an active adventure dog, Bella is also – I believe – experiencing a bit of depression. She has left the house through the front door only for doctor and specialist appointments.
It breaks my heart to see her eyes when she thinks she should be going somewhere with me.
On to 2023 and adventures with your dog
A photo session while on adventures with your dog can be a really special experience. Not only are adventures a great way to bond with your dog, but taking me along allows you the chance to see what that looks like through someone else’s eyes.
Mine.
Seeing the way you and your dog interact on the trail or at a park sets my soul afire. I’ve been blessed to have two profound relationships – one with Shep and one with Bella – and it inspires me to see others feel that way, too.
We’re documenting your life together and if you book multiple sessions, you get to see how your connection grows and deepens over time. Having a series of photographs taken at different stages of your dog’s life can be a beautiful way to look back on your time together.
During your adventure session with your dog, we’re going to do all the things you love to do together – hike, camp, paddleboard, play fetch, swim or just sit quietly together on a rock or grassy field.
We’re going to get both posed photos and candid shots of you and your dog together, and we’re going to celebrate you and your dog in your element: outdoors and enjoying each other.
Oh and you’re going to tell me all the stories … about your dog’s special personality quirks, what you love most about her, the adventures you’ve taken, the adventures you’re going to take.
And how you can’t imagine life without her.
Because she lets you just be.
She doesn’t judge you.
She doesn’t complain for the sake of complaining.
She doesn’t place big expectations on you … other than “feed me,” “walk me” and “pick up my poo.”
And she loves you.
Deeply. Unconditionally.
Which all makes you feel stronger, more powerful, more free to be who you are and who you want to be.
The power of dog
That’s what dogs do. They change how we see the world and they change how we see ourselves.
When we open ourselves up to the power of dog, we start to feel our own power.
I never feel more strong, more free, more important than when I’m standing on the top of an overlook with Bella by my side.
My dogs have been my greatest teachers. Through them I’ve learned to live simply, love generously, laugh deeply, smile broadly and walk softly.
And every adventure I’ve taken with them has been better because of them.
Documenting those adventures and turning them into beautiful artwork for your home celebrates that bond you’ve found and creates a legacy of your love.
All around the circle
With a new year comes new challenges and new opportunities. We’re going to have some fun announcements coming up, just as soon as I get my own adventure dog back to health and ready for her own escapades.
I’m staying pretty close to home in the meantime (and logging most of my Fitbit steps in the backyard or on the dreadmill … ugh).
Once she’s up and ready to go, we’ll be looking to travel all over the Pacific Northwest to create memories and epic artwork for dog lovers like you.
For now, let’s jump into the pet photographers blog circle and see how my friends are planning their 2023.
Start with Douglas, Wyoming, pet photographer Erin Schwartzkopf, who is charging full speed into 2023!
Click the link at the bottom of Erin’s post to continue through the circle. When you get back here to a new year of adventures with your dog, that’s when you know you’re home.
Right where you belong.
And if you’re ready to start planning your adventure with Big White Dog Photography, book your get-to-know-each-other chat now.
Oh man…sometimes our doggers are their own worst enemies. I know a lot of humans who just cannot keep themselves quiet to heal up, too. I am so sorry to read she injured herself further. I wish there was a way we could make them understand that they are not being punished when they give us those looks.
Poor Bella. I can only imagine how tough this is on all of you. She will recover, of course. In the meantime, giver her all the cuddles.
Sending loads of great setter zen (which I am told is magical) for Bella and all good outcomes. Our dogs often make our worries palpable. Take care of yourself.
Hope Bella is back on the trails soon. I’m with you about the dreadmill. So boring…
What we won’t do for our dogs, I’ve slept on a dog bed on the floor of our walk-in closets during a thunderstorm for ours, here’s to wishing Bella a full recovery.