Lily The Delightful Rat Terrier (Click to enlarge)

This sweet little girl has never had issues with aggression because she has never been abused or neglected. Terry and I work with many dogs of all different breeds and all different histories and behaviors.  We think we know what we’re doing and have a process whereby we ask human companions if their dogs will be alright with us touching them.  But even a professional can make a mistake.

I usually say I have only one rule in my studio.  No one should get hurt having their picture taken…ahhh but if a naughty photog doesn’t use good common sense the blood flowing won’t be the subject’s.  Here’s a reminder for all those dog lovers who come in contact with many dogs they don’t know.  Always, ALWAYS ask the human companion (the only one in the relationship who speaks English) if the dog you’re approaching will be all right being touched BEFORE you touch her/him.

Yup.  Terry got tagged today.  She was distracted and didn’t follow our own rules.  She offered her hand to an aggressive dog AS she was asking about the dog.  This rescued dog has issues because of being abused in his former life.  Uh uh.  Nope.  Not smart to offer him a bite.  This is a lesson to all those with children as well.  Teach them NOT to extend their hands to ANY dog they haven’t asked about.

We want to tell those involved that we realize our part in the mishap.  It was a lesson learned by all.  Communication is the key.

Sasha The Rat Terrier (Click to enlarge)

For those readers who are wondering when I will get back to the task at hand, pet photography, I would answer, I’m immersed in this task every day.  As we grow, we grow toward more photographic options, but photographing companion animals has been where our hearts are.  Our new studio will help provide more pet photographic experiences that I can report.

You’ve met Sasha before in the Sisters post, where she is pictured…with her sister, of course.  Their story is long and interesting.  I post her by herself today because I love this look at her.  I threw something for her to look at and missed my mark, but this is what I mean by staying ready because even if it’s not the shot you were expecting, or even hoping for, it could be one which tells another compelling story.

As always, we’d love for you to post one of your pictures, or ask questions about mine, or better still, how ’bout a genuine critque?  I’d love that.

Pippi The Rat Terrier (Click to enlarge)

Did you know that Rat Terriers are an American breed?  In the ’20s and ’30s they were common on family farms and shared duties with cats in keeping vermin under control.  Although Pippi has already been posted in a shared photograph with her sister Sasha (Sisters) a couple of weeks ago, I’m posting this one today because I saw a photograph in a breed book that almost matches this one.  When I saw it I thought it could have been Pippi!

Pippi reminds me to tell you that there are so many pure breed dogs in our neighborhoods and in our shelters needing homes.  You have only to select a breed and find your dog.  If you’re in the southern Louisiana area and would like to live with and love a Rat Terrier, check with St. Francis Animal Sanctuary as they recently rescued a large number of Rat Terrier puppies.  Wherever you’re located, there are breed rescue groups just waiting for you to call.  Your companion is langushing.

Pippi & Sasha The Rat Terriers (Click to enlarge)

Sisters Pet Pics has added new backdrops, props and scenes!  Many new colors of muslin and two new scenics, French Quarter and beach!  So if you’re in the neighborhood, make an appointment to have your pets and family immortalized.  We couldn’t wait to show off one of our favorites, a mottled orange and brown muslin, and who should be the first to model it but Pippi and Sasha, the fearless, friendly and well-socialized Rat Terriers.  We were looking for something which would show off all our black animal visitors and this new muslin backdrop sure does that.

Pippi (black and white) and Sasha (black) are sisters who were adopted by one of our clients who was “set up” by her brother.  We love this story, so we’re going to pass it on.  There was once a brother and sister who had big hearts.  The brother was found by a very special Corgi mix some time ago, who has an incredible story herself (I’ll be showing Doodlebug and telling her story in a future post).  He was so happy with his life with Doodlebug he wanted his sister to have the same companionship.  His sister was reluctant.  She was a cat person.  She didn’t see the need to add a dog to her family.  One day brother was to pick his sister up and asked if he could make a stop.  Puzzled, she said, of course, and wondered why he asked; he never did that before.  He stopped the car at the dry cleaners and two young Rat Terriers came bounding up.  Oh, he said nonchalantly to his smiling and petting sister, these two dogs will be dropped off at the pound today if the owner cannot find a home for them immediately.  Sister looked dismayed and told him she could not let that happen.  He wondered aloud which one she would select.  Her reply?  “Ha!  I told you I cannot let that happen; neither one is going to the pound, they’re both coming home with me!”

I wonder how many other people begin to add a pet to a family only to be faced with the impossible choice.  Which sister or brother?  It happened to us.  In fact our business name was due in part to sister Miniature Dachshunds who chose us.  I wanted one…but how could I leave the last sister?  You don’t look back except to smile and wonder how you lived without them.  Such was the case with Pippi and Sasha’s mom.  She has socialized these two beauties very well.  Rat Terriers are prone to be protective and territorial, so it is imperative to keep these dogs well-socialized to avoid nippy behavior.  These girls were perfect and they found a perfect family, thanks to the big hearts of a human brother and sister.

As always please comment on this photo or post.  Tell us the story of finding your pet.  Remember to subscribe ( in the left sidebar) to our newsletter to be eligible  for our 10% off savings on your next visit to our studio.