Excuse the quality – it’s a scanned version of what was already a poor quality photo (but that’s me, in the middle).

Back then, Duke was the underdog, paired up against the mighty UNLV in the semi-finals.  This time, it was Duke that was the favorite, the “big dog,” going into the Final Four.  I have nothing against Butler [they have an awfully cute mascot!], but I’m very glad they didn’t do as the Devils did back in 1991 and pull off the upset.

So is my big dog, Belle.

Liam (and his parents) used to live in Dallas, but they moved to Pittsburgh a few years ago.  They came back in town this past weekend for a friend’s wedding (congratulations, Amy & Greg!) so we got to play.  I only get to see Liam about once a year now that they’ve moved, but he remembers me.  Or, more accurately, he remembers my dogs.  After they landed in Dallas on Friday, they saw a woman walking a Great Dane and another big dog – Liam’s response was “I can’t wait to see Debbie!”  (So, yes, my status as the crazy (big) dog lady is official.)  It’s amazing how fast they grow up — Liam was just a toddler when they left Dallas, barely talking.  Now he’s a real boy.  Who was a big fan of the “toot balloon” (a.k.a. whoopee cushion) that I just *happened* to have with me…  (You’re welcome, Kelly!)

I met up with Liam and his mom at a local park for a little play time.  I had my camera with me and took a few snapshots of the little dude.  I also brought Bear — I usually bring Belle because she’s so good in crowds and with strangers, but decided I’d give Bear a chance.   After he settled down a bit, he was fine – but, admittedly, not particularly outgoing.  He’s not quite sure what to make of little kids.  Though after a little while, he did decide Liam was okay and let Liam walk him around and hug on him.

Aww…. I was just about to post this when I got an email from Kelly (Liam’s mom).  Liam wrote me a love note on the plane home yesterday.  And back at home asked, “Can we see Belle next time?”

I know some people disagree with the idea of dog shows, and, while I think they’re a little silly, I don’t mind them.  I fully support shelters and rescue organizations and hope that everyone that’s interested in getting a dog considers adopting as there are an endless supply of great dogs that really need homes.  But I also do not have an issue with responsible breeding — key word being “responsible.”  I love the different breeds and the unique qualities that set them apart from one another, so I support the furthering of each breed, so long as it is done properly.  That being said, if you are considering buying a purebred dog, please, please, please do your research.  There are a ton of websites with advice on things to look for, questions to ask, little tests to perform.  Visit the breeder and see the dogs — all the dogs.  See where the pups live, see how they behave and react to you, to the breeder, to other dogs, etc.  Ask questions.  If there is anything that makes you uneasy, walk away.  Don’t help keep a bad breeder in business.

Check out phetched.com!  If you’re anything like me, you’ll get sucked in by all the fun and fabulous finds (and, perhaps, my alliteration!).

Since I’ve been out of radio contact for so long….  hope everyone had a great holiday and a happy new year!  I have big plans for 2010 — hope you’ll come along for the ride!

Since 2009 saw the birth of thank Dog., I thought I’d look back at a few of my favorites from the past year.  I tried to narrow it down to 10, but ended up with 25 (so buckle down – it’s going to be a long post!).   I like them for different reasons – some just because they capture the dog’s personality so well, some because they make me laugh, some because, well, I just like it.  Without further ado…

1.  I’ll start with one of each of my pups.  I just love this photo of Belle – she looks very serious, but I think her eyes are still soft and gentle.  Plus she’s just so pretty (I’m not biased at all).

2. My sweet boy.  He’s actually not easy to photograph – he usually either is literally on my feet or in my face or he’s turned his head away.  But here he looks happy and like he’s having fun.  The gorgeous blue sky and tall grasses don’t hurt either.

3.  Sweet Cash (I’ll have another post with an update on him soon).  This was taken the same day as the shot above (which may well have been the most gorgeous day all year!).  He looks confident and healthy – a far cry from when I first found him (or, to be more accurate, he first found me).

4. Now, in no particular order…  Little Bonnie – I think she looks just like the sweet little old lady she was in this photo.  (Sadly, Bonnie has since passed away after living a long and happy life.)

5.  Scruffies!  This was taken when I went with my dad to pick up his PBGV pup.  A squirrel was on the other side of the fence, taunting the pack of scruffies.  I just really like this one.

6.  Speaking of the Scruffy – just look at that face.  Trust me when I say that’s not a guilty face (she has no idea what it means to be in trouble) — that’s a “why are you filling in that hole I just worked so hard on?” face.

7. Rex.  Rex is pure lab – he’s sweet, goofy, happy, slobbery, and ball-obsessed.  He kept us laughing the entire session.  This photo just screams “LAB!” to me.

8. Sweet little Petey was, at the time, a Paws in the City dog – but he’s since been adopted.  I’m not sure why I love this photo so much – his coloring up against the bluish-grey (goes to show you can get great shots anywhere, including a parking lot!), his freckles, or his sweet little face.  Rumor has it this photo was instrumental in his adoption!

9.  The wrinkles.  And wrinkles.  And more wrinkles.  This actually took a little work in photoshop to clean up the background, but I love the simplicity of the shot, made more powerful by being in b&w.

10.  The cutest little puppy ever.  Lily is ADORABLE.  There were a ton of shots from her shoot that I really liked – but the composition of this one really appeals to me.

11.  Libby’s a sweet old girl.  She does her best to keep up with her much-younger BFF, Tsouka.  But she has to take a break every now and again.  Love the setting and the sweetness in her old face.

12.  Don’t you just want to bury your face in that muppet fur?

13.  Kaiser’s still young, but could already work it like a supermodel.  German Shepherds can be intimidating – but a quick look at Kaiser’s eyes makes it clear he’s a big softie.

14.  No, Kaiser’s not intimidating in the slightest.  Kaiser’s goofy side is what you’re more likely to see!

15. This one will probably have you scratching your head.  Puzzle is a search-and-rescue dog that I photographed for the cover of her mom’s upcoming book (more in a later post).  She’s a sweet, happy golden, but she has a serious job.  Something about this photo – the movement, the b&w – seemed fitting.  I don’t know – I just like it.

16.  Puppies.  If young enough, they’ll crash and sleep anywhere and let you do anything to them.  Sebastian (aka Scabby – don’t ask) conked out so we put him up on a little white leather chair.  A little photoshop work to clean up the background and you have what looks like a clean studio shot!

17.  What happens when a golden and a doodle go to a water park?  F.U.N.

18.  I like shots of dogs in tall grasses – I don’t know what it is about that scene that speaks to me, but it does (well, I suppose the dog needs to be a sporting-type dog for the scene to really work).  Kelly was up for it.  Love the tones in this one.

19.  Another Scruffy shot.  It may not be the best shot technically speaking, but I dare you not to giggle at her attempt to attack the leaf blower.

20.  Sweet little Tsouka.  She’s really a happy, ball-obsessed girl.  But here she just looks so sweet.  And I love the way she sits.

21. Ellie was another dog that couldn’t take a bad photo!  Whether she was serious or goofy, they pretty much all turned out great.  But this one makes me smile every time I look at it.

22.  Chloe’s a sweet girl – patient and a little mischievous (I think she gets her little brother, Kaiser, into trouble).  I love the soft tones in this shot of her.

23.  I forced my niece to meet me near Deep Ellum with her pug, Gus, for some urban shots.  I’m glad I did.

24.  It’s not always the case that I can get good shots in bedrooms (they’re often pretty dark) – particularly those with dark red and brown tones.  But a big window just behind me gave Maggie the perfect spotlight.

25.  And lastly…. Speck is a funny little possum of a dog.  But when you put him in the right setting, he looks almost regal.  And, no, I did nothing to set the shot up except put Speck up on the chair.  This is one of my all time favorite shots.

Which is your favorite?