These two fun loving pups are called Ivy and Pete. 

Ivy and Pete's human stays very busy with them training and traveling to competitions. I love that these two are so active at a young age. You see, Ivy just turned a year old and Pete is only 7 months. I honestly kept having to remind myself that they were just puppies!

I honestly don't know who had more fun, the pups or me. ;O)
Don't grow up too fast Ivy and Pete!

You may know this guy as Downtown Henry, but he's so much more than a title. Henry is the most fun-loving, hard working, squirrel distracted, handsome, and yes, derpy dog I know. When you have this much going on, girls want to kiss you and guys want to walk you. ;O)

Did you notice Henry's ears? Every time I see this guy, Fabio comes to mind. I'm showing my age saying that name, but for those who don't know, Fabio was known for his long hair often filmed blowing in the wind. That's Henry's ears. Long and luxurious ears that frankly have a mind of their own.

What I love about Henry is he's completely smitten with his humans. He's an only dog so he might be considered a bit spoiled, but when it comes to his humans Henry is always by their side spoiling them right back.

Keep doing what you love, Henry. There are so many more adventures ahead for you.

This is Denver! He's all business in the front and party in the... well, he's also got a party side. Don't believe me, just watch his tail!

​Denver is a therapy dog with too many initials after his name for me to try and remember them all here, but because he has a business side opposite from his fun loving side, he's one of the best in the therapy world.

When Denver poses for the camera he's all business. He has such a handsome face and he works it.

But, when Denver plays, he can't keep the huge grin off his face! 

Even with his friends, it's either all fun and games, 

or "give them your best Bogart, Bogie."

Whatever the situation calls for, work it, Denver. You're beautiful inside and out!

This handsome dog is Jager. What a stud muffin! Look at those ebony ear curls! Did I mention he was handsome?!

Jager is one of those dogs who is lucky enough to be equipped with everything a dog needs to be able to spend time outside in the snow with his humans. A sturdy build, thick fur, and dog parents who don't mind the cold! (You need all three of these if you want to build a snowman.)

Jager is a traveler (with his humans of course) and isn't shy when it comes to the camera. He would make a very handsome leading man in any movie and he doesn't mind sharing the spotlight.

During his snow session this fluffy dog had fun in all the fluffy snow. He was happy to pose when his dog mom asked him to and I know he was thinking, "I wonder what's next!" Once we told him we got the shot his smile was huge curious as to where we were taking him next.

I'm with Jager... Love, laughter and new adventures in new places. It doesn't get better than that.

This dog isn't a die hard fan of snow, but you'd never know it. It's because her love for her dog mom outweighs having cold paws when she could be doing indoor dog sports like barn hunt, scent trial and rally (to name only a few). Raven loves hanging out with her human and she's happy to go anywhere or do anything with her.

She loves to play as much as she loves to work and considers both a big win. But, playing or posing, I think it's obvious, Raven is a gorgeous dog (and, I don't think she even knows it!)!

Dogs and humans are made for each other. They make us laugh, they make us cry and they make us better humans. In return they just want to be with us. Whether its doing dog sports or just hanging out on the couch these two are inseparable. 

Lela is a Shichon with a whole lot of spunk and a little bit of princess thrown in. Her name is pronounced Lay-la, but spelled with an e for her human's love of Mexico. (Just wanted you to be able to say it correctly in your head as you read on. You're welcome.) ;O)

Lela goes everywhere dogs are allowed with her dog mom. On days when she goes to work with her she's proven to be a pint sized stress therapy dog for clients. She loves being around people and meeting new ones, and she's a wonderful cuddle bug. 

Lela enjoyed her session even though it was cold for such little paws. She ran around and enjoyed the snow, and after a little while she backpacked with her mom through the trees. I think even Lela realized how beautiful it was in those trees. (It truly was one of the most beautiful places on earth that morning.)

I mentioned at the beginning that Lela is a cuddle bug. Well, we didn't have a couch, but we managed to capture that side of her, too. Lela, I hope you and your dog mom have a fun, warm and snuggly rest of your winter. 

This little fireball LOVES the snow so when his humans put him on the snow session list every finger and every paw was crossed for the white stuff. Because Finn's dog mom works during the week and his dog dad is up all hours pushing snow during storms, the timing couldn't have been better for Finn to enjoy the last day of the best snow we've gotten so far.

Let me show you how much fun Finn had... I have never seen so many expressions in one run!

Oh that face! Finn loves dock diving, boating, frisbee & walks, and he goes everywhere with his humans. He's part of the family and he knows it. He's always smiling, very energetic and yet his humans attest he's a big cuddler.  At barely a year old Finn's a rock star, and even has his own Instagram page. 

Tell your dog parents I said, congratulations on their engagement, Finn. You make a lovely family!

Onyx waited over a year for a snow session since we didn't really get any good stuff last year. Because of that, he was first on the list and the wait paid off!

He was able to hang out with his human, enjoy the snow, and even explore places that hadn't been trampled on by big human feet yet!

Before we were through playing in the snow, Onyx's coat proved to be a wonderful collector of snowballs to save for later.

As a side note:
Onyx competes in AKC obedience with his human and loves exercises that have to do with jumping or nose work. Besides being a personal trainer for humans through her business, RaptorFit Personal Training, his dog mom, Hollie teaches AKC Competitive Obedience classes at Paws Pet Resort.
​
If you've ever thought about obedience, agility, nose work, or any other canine sport, I encourage you to try it with your dog. I've seen dogs who come into their own once they "find their sport." I've also seen dogs who (obvious to me) don't really care for the sport, but love pleasing their human. They're like little kids... kids love to be read to, but it's not so much the story as it is spending time with their mom or dad. Maybe this is the year to find something a little different to do together. (But, never EVER stop cuddling on the couch!)

Here's to new adventures in 2023!

 The following is a guideline for how to dress for your winter session:

First of all, think layers.

Dressing in layers will not only keep you warm, but will add visual contrast and fun to your images.

Visible layers look great in photographs!
- Think about a collared shirt or blouse under a cozy sweater.
- Winter vests, coats, scarves and boots are so fun visually, and they add a sense of warmth and coziness to your images.
- Ladies, when wearing a coat over bulky clothing, make sure it has a belt or seam line that accentuates your waist, and as an added note, coats with large furry hoods are striking in close-up images.

Hidden layers are pretty much a given during winter outdoor activities in SD.
- Layered socks add extra warmth in the snow.
- Cuddle Duds and Under Armour won't bulk up your outfit.
- Hand and foot warmers in your shoes, your pockets, or your mittens can be just what you need to stay comfortable.

Winter snow sessions are scheduled a little differently due to the fact that, well... it's cold and we need snow.

For snow sessions to be safe for our dogs as well as ourselves we need conditions as follows:
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- Snow ;O)
- Temps in the double digits
- Wind chill (feels like temp) must be above 15

At this time of year I have a running list specifically for snow sessions. When the conditions are right I contact those on the list starting with the first person who signed up. If they can't do the session at that time then I go to the next on the list. If someone has to pass on a session for whatever reason, they don't loose their place, as I start at the top each time conditions are right.

If you've always wanted to do a snow session and you're able to make a short notice session work in your schedule, just call and I'll get you on the list. :O)

When I first saw Max all I could think was, wow, what a gorgeous dog! But, it didn't take but a few minutes to see that Max is just as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside.  Max adores his dog mom and dad, and he's quite high on their list of friends to hang out with, too.

Max is not shy when it comes to the camera and he was quite happy to show me how much he loves being outdoors. Running, jumping logs, and fetching were his favorites. But, honestly, I think he would be thrilled doing anything as long as it involves being with his humans.

Max played the whole session, stopping every once in awhile to pose. THAT'S when I saw the oh so handsome modeling side of him. (There might be good money in this one day, Max. Just sayin'.)

Enjoy the rest of the snow season with your family, Max!