When we go to the ranch, Roxy gets to be totally free, too. Her leash and collar come off and she has an entire valley to play in. She knows where we’re headed as soon as we get off the freeway. She stands up, starts panting excitedly, and gives me kisses when I turn around and say, “are we goin’ to the ranch?” It’s our happy place, hers and mine.

Last weekend when we were there, the hay was so perfect, I just had to get some photos in it as the sun was going down. Roxy usually hates having her photo taken — just like most children of photographers — so I asked my hubby for help. I parked myself in a flat spot of hay (I didn’t do it! I found it like that!) and he got Roxy excited by throwing dirt clods. Dirt clods are exciting, right? They played and I shot. And just as the sun started to turn the hay field into a shimmering golden sea of oats, Roxy turned around and showed me just how perfectly happy and content she was. I am so fortunate to have caught it on camera. This photo and the memories it holds will stay with me forever: pure happiness.

We stayed in Kona’s house and backyard for her session. Her moms worked really hard to get some green grass to grow before our session and boy, am I happy they did… green grass perfection!

 
Just outside the bedroom is a beautiful deck. The sun was shining so bright and Kona was quite content to sit there basking in the warmth. Then again, maybe she sat there so nicely because we were bribing her with Kraft single cheese slices.

 
Kona’s moms requested a silhouette of their girl and I wanted to do my best to deliver a few traditional and non-traditional options. I can’t pick a favorite. I love the way her ears fold in the traditional ones and the dreamy lens flares in the others!

 
I just about died when Kona hopped up on the bed and sat so perfectly with her little paws together. I mean, really, could she get any cuter?

 
Have you ever seen a look of contentment like this before? Seriously… this girl knows she is adored.

 
Just as things were winding down with our session, we stirred the pot and broke out the whipped cream! Yup — you heard me! WHIPPED CREAM! I have never seen a dog eat whipped cream before but my-oh-my how Kona loves it. Look at that tongue…

 
…and the little dots of whipped cream on her upper lip fur and on her chin!

 
There were just so many cute whipped cream shots, I had to do a little storyboard. I triple-dog-dare you not to laugh.

 
And that, my friends, is Kona. I hope you have enjoyed meeting her as much as I did. Leave me a little message in the comments below and tell me which photos are your favorites!

A little back story… I first met JD, the black and tan Doberman, at the San Diego Pet Expo in Del Mar a few years ago. He was a Dobie ambassador for Aztec Doberman Rescue. After meeting him, I signed up on the organization’s mailing list and, soon after, began volunteering with them. JD’s parents help keep things running over at Aztec; they do such a great job!

 
JD (black and tan Doberman), Pelona (Xolo), and Tigger (red Doberman) are three really awesome pups.

 
This is one of my favorite images from the session. Can you hear them saying “hey, do you guys smell a hamburger?”

Please leave a comment below and tell me which photo is your favorite!