January 26, 2013

White Dog looked at the sky and hurried the Army's preparations for this morning's photo shoot. Every one's teeth were brushed and Steve gave them a last minute brushing then we got ready.

The plan was to meet Gregg and Candace at the Park at 9am for some play time and exercise to work off the early morning energy a bit before the photographer met us and we had to pose quietly. The sky was seriously threatening rain but we focused all of WDA power on the fact that it would wait until our hour session was over successfully.

Kristen, the photographer arrived a bit early and we quickly decided on a backdrop of evergreen trees. I got stationed and then Steve and Gregg assembled a little platform next to me to hold him and some of the pups. The White Ones watched from Pumpkin's windows.

Steve and our friends opened the door and brought forth the glistening white stars of the show. White Dog barked orders and directed Kristen as to how we should best be arranged. I was on the left, WD in my arms; YoYoMa sat between my feet. Quinn, splendidly stood patiently between myself and Steve, who held Oso. Puff sat on the platform to his right and Nuka lay at his feet. And that is how we began.

Gregg and Candace pulled out a tote bag full of squeakers and stuffies to get every one's attention and the shoot was on. Kristen had been VERY nervous about trying to photograph SIX dogs but by the time we were finished, she was relaxed and laughing. "I have had photo sessions with just one dog that has not gone this smoothly," she said. Five minutes after we finished photographing each pup with Steve it began to rain...just a touch too early but after we had lots of great shutter moments. We dashed for the van and got everything packed up before the drops really started to matter.

White Dog and Steve camping it up. Photo by Kristen Gentry.

The WDA was sublime. They could not have done better if they professionally walked the runway. Even the shy Mighty Quinn stood proud, head up, looking at the lens. Each time, the setting changed, the WDA reassembled and did us proud. Steve has a theory that this was a gift from my amazing army to me. "They all know how important this family photo is," he said later when it was just he and I being "shot." "They would do anything to make their momma happy." And they did. My precious White Ones have me anticipating the edited photos like a kid expecting the world's best treasure at Christmas.