Tito Tuesday ~ The Case Of The Missing Dog

As many are aware, Tito, my 20 lb. shih tzu loves to prey upon lizards. His steadfast obsession is chasing them down a wall to a height where he can swat at them. And yes, while these traits sound more like a cat, I can assure you, Tito is all dog. I have a great set up in my office where my desk, in which I spend most of the daytime hours, overlooks the backyard. While it's not fenced in, we are on a back alley so Tito stays where the lizards are located. Fortunately enough for me that means he is within eye sight of the window. From time to time I will take a five minute break and join in on the hunt. As sadistic as this sounds I take great pride when Tito catches one ( which has only happened twice). He isn't your typical lap dog, but rather an instinctual predator that can catch his own food and survive on his own if anything were to ever happen to me....Or so I like to think.

A few days ago happened to be one of those days where I had to just walk away from my computer. Tito followed as I trudged outside. There, we basked in the glorious sun and began the search. A few moments past and I was back at my computer. I must've been doing a lot of things at once because about an hour later when I sat down to eat my lunch I realized I had no idea where Tito was! I walked through my apartment, covering the rooms in seconds. Panic set in as I didn't see him in any of his usual resting spots. I dashed outside only to see an empty lawn, an empty back alley, and an empty neighbors yard. My heart sank as I had no idea where my dog was. Realizing I would be better off with a box of treats and a pair of flip flops I retreated back inside to my apartment.

Grabbing the box of milk bones I ran into my room to grab my flip flops. It was there, that I found not only my sandals, but also my dog. There, on top of my heaping laundry pile, Tito laid sound asleep. Once I had settled back down to my Zen state I decided that it would make for an excellent Tito Tuesday......and the moral of this Tito Tuesday is....Do your laundry :)

Cora and Sampson ~ Hyde Park Pet Photographer

I met Cora and Sampson's dad while shooting a wedding together July 25th. Chad Whelan, owner of Digital Wave Productions, was filming the event, while I shot it. We worked side by side for most of the night, after all we are both trying to capture the same moments. It was only when one of us mentioned our dogs that the conversation really got started. Chad has been happily married for 16 years. He and his wife have two beautiful four-legged kids, Cora and Sampson. Cora is a solid 75 lb. American Bulldog who considers herself nothing more than a 16 oz lap dog. Sampson, the older, and slightly wiser of the two was rescued a year earlier than Cora. More like a daddy's boy, he listened and looked only at Chad during the entire shoot. They came to my studio for a pet portrait session. Chad plans to give these images to his wife as an anniversary present (she has no idea the shoot took place so it should be an awesome reaction). The shoot was so much fun and we were able to capture some super cute expressions on both pups. Here are my favorites. P.S. We used my new blue backdrop and I am hearting it so much.

Rusty and PuppyChoo ~ South Tampa Pet Photographer

Meet the adorable dynamic duo, Rusty and Puppychoo. Rusty is a sweet brindled mastiff mix whose main purpose in life is to give love. It doesn't matter if he knows you or not, he just wants a hug. And then there is Puppychoo. The owners aren't too sure what his breed is. As soon as I realized his slight ball obsession and overly happy personality I told them my opinion, border collie/flat coated retriever mix. I had so much fun with these two in my studio. They were really good sports as my air conditioner wasn't cooperating. Have you ever tried summer in Florida with a busted A/C unit while wearing a fur coat? I didn't think so, nor would I encourage it. Here are some of my favorite shots with these two.

Winner of Pet Portrait Drawing ~ Rohan ~ Tampa Pet Photographer

Meet Rohan (pronounced Row-en), the spunky little Shiba whose pawrents won the drawing for a free portrait session. This little guy is only a few months old but already has the potty training down, as well as the meaning of the words "no" and "sit". Apparently that is the shiba way as owner, Josh, informed me. Shibas are smart, witty, and all personality. I had such a blast with Duncan, Josh, and Rohan. Here are some of my favorites captured from the shoot. And I'm thinking this isn't the last you will see of Sir Rohan.

Dear Barney ~ Hyde Park Pet Photographer

Dearest Barney Boo,

Thank you for being pretty much the most adorable dog ever. I love that your mommie brings you to me to get puppy portraits every six months. It's so much fun watching you grow and become the super cool pup that you are. And my how you've grown since I last saw you. You are still quite a trouble maker, always running around the studio, attempting to eat my extension cords and camera straps but I still love you, especially when you give me one of your many adorable faces. I really couldn't get over how cute you were in your Redskins football jersey. Your dad is going to be so surprised when he sees those pictures. And while your bumble bee costume was a little snug, you made it work for the camera. So Barney I will miss you these next few months but will look forward to our Fall rendezvous when we will do another puppy portrait session.

Much Love,

Stephie Smith

Your Pet Photographer

Bogey ~ South Tampa Pet Photographer

Meet Bogey, the adorable little shih tzu/maltese mix I had the opportunity to photograph yesterday.This little man is full of energy and love. His main goal, as I found out early on, is to give as many kisses as possible. So he was a little bit confused when I made him sit in a chair all by himself with no one else around. We were able to capture some super cute shots. And even with all that fur and hair you can see what a bundle of love Bogey is.

Gunner ~ Pet Portrait Session: Tampa Pet Photographer

Meet Gunner. A Beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback. I had the pleasure of photographing him in my studio on Sunday morning with owner Shelly. Gunner was one of the most well behaved dogs I have ever shot. Did you know they were originally bred to hunt and help kill lions? Not this pretty boy. In fact Shelly told me he prefers lizards and squirrels to lions. Regardless of his preference, we were able to get some super cute pics of Gunner which Shelly is excited to use as a Father's Day present for her boyfriend (Gunner's dad). I can't wait to hear what he thinks! But until then here is a sneak peak at Gunner's studio session with Pawsitively Pictures.

P.S. What do you all think of my super amazing yard sale find? This vintage chair was purchased for $20 at a Tuesday afternoon neighborhood sale. LOVE It! And LOVE the fact that I got a chance to use it on a gorgeous dog.