Christmas with Bernard the Cavamalt | Thomaz boys | sydney pet photography

At Christmas time we can be angels and santas. This santa lives in our neighbourhood, Potts Point, with his angel: a Cavamalt / Maltalier puppy. The angel’s name is Bernard (how many angels have that name??).

I photographed these two last year, and, the season now being on us all, we decided it was a good time to revisit the experience. Santa wanted some shots as keepsakes and also to send to his family in South America.

Now 1 year and 2 months old, Bernard showed me he could sit, wear his costumes and rock it. A very well loved pooch (erm, angel/ reindeer, sorry!).

Remember peeps - pet photography is where art and love combine.

BTW, Bernard's the only Cavamalt in our neighbourhood the last time I checked - how special is that!

Gorgeous 9 month old Kelpie cross Whippet Bugsy and Spirit | adoption | dog photography

We met Bugsy and Spirit (Kelpie cross Whippet) on Sunday. Both AWDRI Star Pups are currently boarding at the Solar Lodge Kennels and are looking for a long-term relationship.

At 9 months, these 2 fine young gentlemen are gorgeous and are such a joy to be with. I was impressed by their good behaviour and their enthusiasm to learn and please.

Both boys learned quickly what I was there to do and they really made me work for it. It was like photographing toddlers who are not really interested in negotiation. However I got a sense that they were enjoying the attention and were putting on their best show for the camera.

The boys were up for cuddles, which was fine by us as they both had such beautiful soft fine coats. I absolutely adore Bugsy's markings - that blueish grey with a tint of yellow when he’s in the sun - so stylish!

There are so many favourites and special Star dogs at AWDRI I have had the honour to meet and photograph - but these 2 definitely left a deep impression on me. I hope that their new forever home will come very soon for them as they certainly deserve it.

These 2 are great mates - Bugsy looks up to Spirit and they both are inseparable. I really hope they go to a new home together.

If you have space to share in your life with these 2 gorgeous Keplie x Whippets, please contact the AWDRI immediately. Don’t leave it too long.

• Bugsy's adoption profile
• Spirit's adoption profile

Spirit

Bugsy

Waiting, for that special someone

Kelpie x Whippet Play

Tender moments

Behind-the-scenes

Baxter the Kelpie and Sheila the Australian Cattle Dog - both single looking for a long-term relationship

I had another dog day afternoon at Mt Anna last Saturday catching up with Sheila and her new foster dog buddy, the irrepressible Baxter - AWDRI Star dogs.

Like many individuals who go a bit domestic (in a happy way) Sheila has grown since the last time I saw her in March. Yep, puppies like humans can grow and change before your eyes. Despite becoming ever more the cattle dog that she is at 8 months, Sheila is still a lady - dainty, gentle and sprightly.

Baxter was rescued by the AWDRI last September. When he was found he was all skin and bone and his health was in a bad way but thanks to the dedication and commitment of AWDRI’s peerless foster and volunteer people who cared and nursed him back to health Baxter is now one Kelpie that never fails to brighten anyone’s day.

At the photo-shoot at Mt Annan’s nearby Reserve I got to experience first hand Kelpie and Australian Cattle Dog culture at play -woohoo! - all fun, games and joy.

If I hadn’t had a job to do I would have joined in the fun.

*** Hide-and-seek ***

*** Chasing shadows and grass(bunny)hopping ***

*** Full of expressions - yes, some mad goofy moments ***

*** Foodie ***

I enjoyed meeting these two and had a good dose of a doggie fix for the weekend. I highly recommend it as a pick-me-up!

And yes, both these lovely dogs are looking for a forever-new-home, if you’re interested. And why not? Check out their adoption profiles:

• Baxter 
• Sheila 

Behind-the-scenes notes
I was stuck in the traffic along M5 on my way up with my ever faithful and diligent assistant Stephen (who by the way is asking for a promotion). We took a detour and travelled along the Hume Highway.

I was worried about losing the light as it was close to 3.30pm and I was still driving about - late - half-way there and half-way not and suppose to be photographng at 3pm. The winter sun sets at around 4.50pm and it was heavily overcast. I was prepared to photograph in the dark! Now that would be interesting - who says the life of a starving artist is without action.

When we got to Sheila and Baxter, their foster Mum packed us all into her car - yes all 3 adults and 2 dogs - and drove us up to the nearest Reserve.

By the time we got to our location, there was still beautiful evening light - so crisp and clean. I welcomed it and marvelled at how well both my 85mm f/1.2L USM II and 24-70mm f/2.8L USM II lenses coped with the lighting condition. Lens magic. I thought both dogs looked like angels in this light - Sheila especially, she glowed!