When I go through images for a client or for events like this, I know that the owners are not always going to love the ones that I love. Mostly it's because they know their dog way better than I do. They know when a smile is cheesy and they know when their dog is "making a goofy face." ;O)

A lot of people like images where all the members of the family are facing the camera. It's always great to be able to capture that moment (or split second when dogs are involved), but some of my favorites are favorites simply because I know the story, or because I was there and know what was going on.

This is Abbie and Mabel.  This might not be what we'd call a "Christmas card photo," but I love it! Because I know the story....

Wishing you and your furry friends a wonderful, (and even more than ok) Christmas holiday!

One hundred (plus) dogs and their families showed up for Paws and Pumpkins held by Paws Pet Resort this past weekend. What a fun day!! I got to say hello to soooo many new furry faces and I only wish that there had been time to get to know them all. Lots of smiles and wagging tails!

Here's one little girl who participated at the event. I bet her owner never has a bad day when greeted with such personality!
​
If you were at the event, you can download your social media images in the Paws & Pumpkins gallery. 

It's the event of the year according to the dogs in Sioux Falls (well, if they could talk that is). The Sioux Falls Swimming Gone to the Dogs event marks the end of summer with two paws up. Last night was packed and it was tough to see dogs from my level through all the human legs, but I managed to get a few images that will hopefully make the owners smile.

Moments captured between people and their pets results in images that tell a part of their story; a part of who they are. Being able to share in this documentation, whether it be from a session or a city event, makes my day every. single. time.

Judging by my wet clothes, this year's dog swim had a record number of dog paddlers. Some of the dogs were in their glory and others were a little intimidated (and I don't blame them) - that'a a lot of splashing when you are down at splashing level with 4 paws per splash!

Because of the enthusiasm of the furry attendees, there was a little less in the way of story-telling images this year, but I was able to capture these single frame "short stories" if you will. (I live for this stuff). ;O)

Then there was Charlie. She wins the title of "most improved" from one dog swim to the next. Last year her human was trying to teach her to fetch in the water. She was a little hesitant.

This year was a different story. Charlie, you've got style.

This year marked the 10th anniversary for the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Sioux Falls. There was great fun for the whole family including a kid's zone, tons of food, great music and dancing, hoola-hooping by young and old alike, and the 3rd Annual Chihuahua Fashion Show.  It all took place this past weekend at Falls Park.

We saw some new faces in the fashion show this year along with some familiar ones that have become crowd favorites.

We hope to see you at next year's celebration!

Do you have a chihuahua who likes to dress up? This is my 3rd year photographing the Chihuahua Fashion Show at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Falls Park. This is always a fun time for both those who are in the fashion show and those who are watching... and I have to say it's a blast for me, too. There are so many fun personalities on that stage each year!

There are 6 different categories in which each participant can enter. Every dog receives a gift bag with lots of fun goodies donated by local pet businesses such as Woofs & Waves, Pawsatively Sweet, DooGooders, Mini Critters Sioux Falls, Shop Dog Boutique, and Wags N' Whiskers.  This year there will also be gift certificates to Wacko's Comedy Club and area restaurants given as grand prizes in each category!

The Fiesta is on May 13th at Falls Park with the fashion show starting at 2pm. Carl V. Carlson Company and Cemcast are sponsoring the show again this year and along with them I hope to see you there!

For more information about the show and how to sign up visit:
www.cincofiesta.com or contact Jen Rothenbuehler at 605.360.2457 or jrothenbuehler@presentationsisters.org.

My kids are grown so hanging out at the pool is not something that you'll find written in my calendar.  But, the end of summer brings one of my favorite events in Sioux Falls . . . Gone to the Dogs Dog Swim!

Before the city closes the pool at Laurel Oaks and Terrace Park, they open it up to our four legged friends. OMGosh, the dogs, the puppies, the families watching from the side. If you decide to take your dog or just go to watch, I guarantee that you will have sore cheeks the next day from smiling so much.

There are diving dogs, wading dogs, floating dogs with life jackets, and dogs who strut their stuff just by prancing around the pool never even getting in the water.

Last September I told you a story of a dog learning to trust her owner as she coaxed her off the edge and into the water.  It was SOOOO cute!  (They were at this swim and that dog was swimming! . . . No doubt inspired by Michael Phelps. ) This time I have to show you a little girl (I found out her name is Winnie) who was practicing her diving finesse. She was only that much more adorable when I realized that the water level wasn't exactly as one might have expected.  ;O)

If you missed the dog swim at Laurel Oaks you should clear your calendar for Sept 7th. It takes place at Terrace Park from 5:30-7pm. Hope to see you there!

They came from all over the area and they were ready to strut their stuff!  The 2nd Annual Chihuahua Fashion show was a success and there were so many great contestants!  I enjoyed seeing some returning faces from last year and it was great meeting so many more. Hope you had as much fun as these guys did. 

(Click on the image below to see all of the wonderful faces in the show.)

There was lots of great music, lots of fun costumes and tons and tons or running around, socializing and enjoying the day.

​They called it Woofstock :O)
(click on the photo for images)

The diving dogs needed assistance getting out of the pool and everyone was happy to help.

Likewise, if there were stray balls laying around, some of the dogs were more than willing to do their part (even if they already had one or two in their mouth).

I was grinning from ear to ear.  Anyone who happened to be watching this was oh so proud.  ;O)

It was the best end to summer that anyone could possibly ask for. Running, smiling, splashing, jumping . . . Oh, and all the chaos and fun didn't stop those who are into the more relaxing aspects of a pool; they seemed to enjoy their evening just as much as the next dog.  A good time truly was had by all.