Day 59 - Snow Day!

We got 'the call' at 6:20 this morning. The call I'm talking about is the, "School is closed today. It's a Snow Day." Although we do have to make up for this day later on this year, it's always nice to get a surprise day off. We had a lazy day. Even the pooches were pretty mellow. In the afternoon we decided to shovel off the deck. The dogs went outside but didn't seem to be happy about the big fluffy snowflakes landing and melting on their fur. I had the camera, trying to take pictures of snowflakes. You'd think it'd be easy with big fluffy snowflakes. Not so. Anyway, I decided to step inside and a few seconds later Dexter decided he wanted to be inside as well. Talk about sad puppy dog eyes.

Day 24 - Shadow Bookends

Today's assignment: Use hard light that casts sharp distinct shadows in a photograph today. It's VERY cold here today (-40 with the windchill this morning). It warmed up to -31 this afternoon so we put the dogs' coats on them and took them out to the back yard so they could get some fresh air, very fresh. Although it's cold, it's very sunny so getting shadow pictures today was quite easy. I got Sadie's front and Dexter's back side and tail as they were standing next to the pool. Peg had the idea to put them together as book ends. I played a bit in Photoshop and voila.

Canon XSi
Lens: 70-200 mm
Focal Length: 70
F/stop: 4.5
Exposure: 1/100
ISO: 200

Day 4 - Reflections

Most of the pond surface is frozen but there's one section that is not. While out walking I caught Dexter 'looking' for the other dog in the pond. Specialists have told us that Dexter is definitely blind. His retinas were never attached and he has cataracts in both eyes. Fortunately, I don't think Dexter realizes this. He runs around and plays like any other dog would do. We've noticed that he reacts to shadows and reflections so perhaps his sight is limited to that. He continues to amaze us and show us what's possible when you don't let your limitations get in the way. An important lesson, especially on more challenging days.

Canon XSi
Lens: 100 mm
Focal length: 100
Fstop: 2.8
Shutter Speed: 1/80

Day 363 - Sad Dexter Dog

Poor old Dexter has an upset tummy today and on top of that we cleaned his ears. This is him lying at the top of the stairs pouting. I couldn't resist capturing his sad little face. The good news is that his supper has stayed down and he's now contently snuggling on the couch with Erika (Christopher's girlfriend). I guess things are looking up for him.

Day 353 -You Know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Dexter?

As we were going through the Christmas decorations I found these antlers. We bought two pair for the dogs last year but didn't manage to get any pictures with them on. They were both slightly more cooperative this year. I managed to get a few inside but outside was a no go. Dexter doesn't look too impressed here and shortly after I snapped this picture he decided the photo session was over. Maybe I'll try some more during the holidays. I'd love to get some good ones to use as Christmas cards.

Day 338 - But...I'm comfortable

As some of you may remember, I've posted a picture of Dexter sitting on the couch watching television which is quite a feat for a blind dog. He's done this since he was quite young and I've always thought it was cute even if Peg didn't. Well, recently he's discovered that lying on the couch is even more comfortable than sitting. I have to admit I didn't discourage this either because he's so cute and he'd warm me up if I was sitting beside him. Peg decided not to fight it and put a blanket on the couch so at least he wouldn't be directly on the fabric. So, Dexter is now allowed to snuggle on the couch but quickly gives up his spot when the two of us sit on the couch.

Day 324 - Happiness is . . .

With the busy week and the early sunsets we haven't been out to the farm for a week. We made it out there this afternoon and as you can see from Dexter's rapturous face, he was thrilled! The two of them raced around, wrestled, only stopping now and again for a little snow snack. They are now snuggled up on their beds snoozing; probably dreaming of their next winter romp.

Day 305 - Taking Control

Had a busy day and was feeling pretty tired by the time we got home. Decided around 9 that it was time to take today's picture and post it. November's a hectic month and I usually feel like I'm losing control at some point. Okay, truth be known, this happens during other months as well. Dexter was hanging out downstairs when I arrived with my camera. I figured today's theme would be taking control rather than losing it. I'll save the losing it for later this month.

p.s. Don't worry, Dexter doesn't usually have access to the remote control. This was a posed picture and no animals were hurt or killed in the process.

Day 288 - Not just for colds

We knew IT had happened again as soon as we opened the door. Our dear Dexter had a case of diarrhea in his crate. Dexter has always had a sensitive stomach so it wasn't the first time we opened the door to that distinct smell. Peg and I usually take turns cleaning up and since she had cleaned up the last time today was my lucky day. She graciously released the dogs and took them outside. I changed my clothes and went to the bathroom to get the Vicks. As you can imagine the diarrhea of a 150 pound Great Dane can be pretty smelly so one develops various strategies to get through the clean up. Peg showed me this trick the first time we had to clean up one of Sadie's messes and now it's an integral part of the clean up routine. The above is a picture of the Vicks container on top of a clean crate. The picture was taken after Dexter's bath, cleaning of the crate (which included taking the trays out and rinsing them outside) and a shower for me. The good news is that all is clean and Dexter's stomach seems to be just fine.

Day 260 - Digger Dane

No, Dexter did not lose his head, not permanently anyway. While out at the farm he found a groundhog hole and figured he'd try to find the owner. Luckily for all of us, no one was 'answering' the door. Dexter thought he'd try and get a closer look so he dug a bit and then stuck his head in the hole. I couldn't resist.

Day 203 - Running wild

We took the dogs to get their nails cut and then headed out to the farm to let them run around. We haven't been for a few days and both dogs were VERY happy to be back. They love running around the fields and going in the pond. I've been trying to get a shot of Dexter running. I want to capture the look of glee on his face when he's running full out. It's also fun to see how his ears flip up. I wasn't able to get his 'smile' in this one but managed to get his ears and more clarity than I have in the past.

Day 191 - Oh Deer!

While this is not my best photo it is definitely a surprise catch. We were walking the dogs at the farm this evening as temperatures had cooled to below insufferable, when we accidentally spooked this deer who was napping in the long grass. I was able to get a few shots but I like this one as none of his/her feet are not touching the ground and we can see the profile a bit. Dexter tried valiantly to pursue the poor creature but ended up chasing scent only!

Day 164 -Dog Day Afternoon

Ever since Dexter was a pup he would lie on his back, stretch out his back legs and gently gnaw on his front legs. We're convinced that this is the dog equivalent of sucking your thumb. Since Sadie's leg is recovering she's not as playful as usual so poor old Dexter has had to entertain himself. As well as 'sucking his thumb' he's been following Peg and I around as we do house and yard chores, barking at the neighbours and their guest as well as going for his daily walk. By the looks of it, nothing quite measures up to romping with his buddy Sadie. If all goes well the romping should resume tomorrow.

Day 142 - Peek-a-Boo

I guess I was a little tired yesterday. I published this post before it was completed. I hadn't even put a title in yet. Thanks to Kristy for giving me the idea for the title. The above is a picture of a cheeky little groundhog we saw while walking the dogs at the farm. I would have liked to get closer but I was worried that Dexter might join me. He likes to investigate the various burrows around the field and I'm pretty sure he'd 'see' the groundhog as a possibility for a new friend. Unfortunately, I'm not quite sure how one removes a groundhog from a dog's face. Any suggestions?

Day 103 - Early or Late?

I saw a robin in our flowering crab tree and thought I'd grab my camera and try to get a few shots. Although I went out quietly, Dexter decided to follow me out not so discretely. By not so discretely I mean running and barking of course. Once Dexter said hello to all the outdoor creatures he settled down to sniffing and a familiar friend reappeared. Not the robin as I was expecting but a Bohemian Waxwing. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, the Waxwings usually show up early in the spring before the snow is melted. I'm not sure if this fellow was late or if it's just that our spring is early this year but he hung around and ate some berries. He seemed comfortable with the camera. In fact, I think I even caught him posing now and then.

Day 63 - Loveable

Sorry, another puppy picture. However, this one is a bit different from the others. This is a picture of Dexter's chest. The heart seems right side up but actually it's upside down. I took the picture while Dexter was lying on his back.
As I've mentioned before, Dexter was born blind and the breeder gave him to us. She wanted him to be with a family who already had one of her dogs.
I fell in love with him the first time I saw his picture. Not only did he have (and still has) the cutest face but the upside down heart sealed the deal. It says, "I may be mixed up but I'm still loveable."

Day 58 - Reflections

This is an inverted reflection shot of Peg and the pooches. They were standing around patiently as I was taking various shots for the blog. They're standing next to what used to be a skating rink but is now a giant puddle. As you can tell from the ripples in the water, it's still a bit windy here.

Day 50 - How much wood would a woodchuck chuck?

What may look like an ordinary woodpile to most is a mountain of opportunity for our Great Danes, Sadie and Dexter. Most dogs play with sticks, ours prefer logs. Their favourite game is stealing logs off the pile and teasing each other with them. Of course the newest one from the pile is always the best. Every few days Peg or I go out in the yard and re-stack the wood. Unfortunately, the logs disappear almost as fast as we stack. Peg figures that we should channel their energy and passion for wood and train them to bring the wood in to our woodbox in the basement.

Day 46 - Couch Potato

I was watching the Women's Canadian hockey team play Switzerland when I looked over and saw my buddy Dexter sitting on the couch. I know pictures can be deceiving but our dogs aren't allowed on the furniture. Much to Peg's chagrin, I make the exception when Dexter plants himself on the couch like this. He just looks so human; it really looks like he's watching the television. The best part or irony, is that he's blind. But hey, don't tell him because he doesn't know. He was born that way.

Day 28 - No more pictures, please!

Obviously doing the 365 project means taking a lot of pictures. While I have been trying to vary my subjects, angles and perspectives, my 2 Great Danes, Dexter and Sadie, often find themselves at the other end of the camera lens. Although Dexter is blind and doesn't see the flash I think maybe he's getting tired of being my subject. Or maybe he's developed a sudden case of camera shyness. Either way I think he's trying to tell me something, "No more pictures, please!" I guess it works for both of us as still subjects are much easier to photograph than moving ones and he does move A LOT.