Christmas Day

Oh, the indignity our dogs have to endure to lead comfy lives with us humans. Year after year, when holiday time arrives, the poor pups are dressed in jingle bell collars and reindeer antlers, or other festive attire.  Hanover sits in her garb motionless, just sure something terrible will happen if she moves.  We release her from her anguish and utter embarrassment quickly after a photo is taken.

Fenway,  on the other hand, will let us dress him up in anything, just as long as there's a treat involved.  This year it was lamb jerky.  He was so obsessed with the "bestest" treat ever that he wouldn't look at the camera -- the treat was being offered as a bribe to the left of the camera position.  I suggested I put the treat between my lips to get him to look at me but that idea was quickly nixed when he kept jumping at the camera!   

All in all the pups and their human family enjoyed the Christmas festivities, particularly since my sister from St. Louis and her husband made a surprise visit to KC to join us for dinner.  It doesn't get better than having family together for the holiday season!

HANOVER (9 year old Border Terrier)

FENWAY ( 12 year old Border Terrier)

Happy New Year to all!

Christmas Memories of Camden

In October, I blogged about our three dogs, Fenway, Camden and Hanover. Ten days after my post we lost Camden following two abdominal surgeries in three days and a diagnosis of lymphoma. His little body just wasn't strong enough to recover, although he fought with all his might.

Today, I'm writing in Camden's memory - Christmas was his all time favorite holiday. He knew when the tree went up that good things were coming in tissue wrapped packages. Christmas morning, he would be beside himself waiting for the gift opening -- he knew he always got a few dog toys wrapped in tissue paper.  To see Cam open his presents was a delight.  Of all the dogs, he best knew how to rip the tissue and get to the gift.  Cam treasured his soft toys. Often, we would find him laying with his head on his newest soft toy (probably to make sure neither of the other two dogs would take it).

One of our funniest stories is the year Camden kept pulling a gift from a friend out from under the tree and tearing at it. We couldn't figure out why since he never bothered any present wrapped in regular wrapping paper. On Christmas morning, we discovered the box he had been trying to open was filled with tissue - he must have smelled the tissue and thought the box was an early gift for him!

Below is a short video of Cam eagerly trying to get to his presents on Christmas morning last year (with Fenway coming into the picture at the end) and some snapshots of all three pups.

Cam, we all miss you greatly but we know you're celebrating Christmas on the other side of the rainbow bridge, where there are as many presents as you want under the beautiful trees. Open them with joy and when you tire, lay your head on the softest and dream sweet dreams. You are with us today and always little man. We love you.

Camden in his finest Christmas jingle bell collar

Guarding his toys - the look says it all - I'm not sharing!

The best way to rest!

You can see Camden's paw, where he is missing two toes - the result of surgery he had when he was five - the vets at K-State, particularly Dr. Chad Johannes, saved his life when he got a mysterious disease dissolving his toe bones - they gave us another 6 wonderful years with Camden.  We are eternally grateful to Dr. Johannes and K-State's vet school for all they did for Camden.  

Classic Cam  

One of my favorites - it's pure Camden

He loved being outside and the hair was always in his eyes but he hated having it trimmed

Best buddies - Fenway grieved terribly when Cam died

The posse doing what they love best - watching for squirrels!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your families!

Staying Warm!

This little girl was trying to figure out who the lady with the camera was in this candid shot at a group event.  She's such a cutie!  

Holiday time!

Could he be any cuter!  Those blue eyes are spectacular.

What Beautiful Eyes!

This darling little girl has the most beautiful eyes.  Her lashes don't stop.  She was so cheery for the entire session.  What a joy to be around!

Big brother wasn't so sure he wanted to hold his sister but a little cajoling worked and we got one brother sister photo!   

Pure Energy!

The kids didn't need any encouragement to do what kids do - climb trees.  This little sister goes full speed, matching her big brothers step for step.

 

The unique personalities of each of these kids was evident through the session. I've had the fun of photographing them several times and it's fun watching them grow up.   

Family Fun!

This little guy has so much personality.  How much better can it get than being outside at a park on a beautiful fall day.

 

Is this family beautiful or what?!!

Sisters! 

Yes, this little guy's eyes are blue, blue blue!

Mom and her boys.  Do you think she gets her exercise chasing after these rambunctious little ones?  The energy of these guys is boundless.

Windy Autumn Day!

This brother and sister were so full of energy and clearly enjoy being with each other.  Between climbing trees and running through the park, they sat still long enough to give each other hugs. It was a blast spending time with them. 

It's Autumn!

This little girl is so sweet!  Can you tell her parents adore her?  It was a beautiful, crisp autumn day and it was a pleasure to spend it with her and her parents.

Pretty in Pink!

These sisters were a delight to spend an afternoon with.  They both were bubbling with personality and fun.  This last photo has special meaning for the family.  The tree was given as a gift many years ago and as it grows, so do the girls.  An annual photo in front of the tree is a must-have!   

Members of the Family

Fenway, a Border terrier, is in back.  Camden, a Norfolk terrier, is in front.

Fen is nearly 12 and Cam is 11 1/2.  Could you guess that we're a baseball lovin' family!

These pups are so much fun.  The energy of a terrier is boundless and the personality of these two can't be matched.  

P.S  Ten days after I wrote the above note about my pups, Camden passed away after surgery and a diagnosis of lymphoma.  He was with us, sitting on my lap, surrounded by his family, both human and pups, when he crossed the rainbow bridge.  You are greatly missed little man.   

Hanover is also a Border terrier.  She is 8.  Her expression says it all - "With all these feathers, I feel like a bird!"  Actually, the costume was for a Border Terrier Fun Day contest and she was one of the winners!

Future NFL Player?

This little guy is so cute.  Can you believe the blue eyes!  Mom and Dad, watch out when he's a teen - the girls will be calling!

Darling girl!

This little girl was full of energy but as sweet as can be.  We had a lot of fun in the fountain.  All in all, it was a good day. 

Fun Family

Aren't these the cutest kids!  Their individual personalities shine.  The little one never stopped smiling.  I think they had as much fun as I did.