Chewbacca

Where does the name "Chewie" stem from?  Well two children who are his new family just love StarWars.  Some suggestions for names were, Darthvader, Stormtrooper & Chewbacca.  Well since this cute and cuddly little guy just loves to chew right now....Chewie - short for Chewbacca was successfully choosen and fell under the StarWars theme.  This Cocker Spaniel/Pug mix is a delight to be around as he is so gentle with young children and simply loves to be part of the family. 

  A movie had just started and Chewie went over and

sat right beside Xander. They looked like two buds chillin out together after a long day    

         

Unwanted

I spent two hours at our local SPCA looking into the eyes of these unwanted animals.  They have so much love and companionship to give.  Where do all these animals come from?  Well here are the facts as they come from Puppy Mills, Backyard breeders - people who think it would be neat for their dog to have pups or to try and make a quick buck but then can't find homes for them.(I do have to say there are responsible breeders out there).  Along with un-spayed/nutured animals and when the kitten or puppy tranistions into an adult....well all of a sudden they're not so cute anymore.  Here are some more facts:  Dogs and cats can have a life span up anywhere up to 16 years, pets need love, attention, exercise and trainning.  My comments may offend some people but this is the reality of why there is an over population of domestic animals.  When I came home from my visit at the SPCA I physically hugged my dogs and didnt' let go...as I didn't realize until then how those animals without homes effected me.  So I urge you before you make the choice to include a dog or cat into your home ask yourself if you can provide a loving home - a forever home for the rest of their life.

Here are some animals I met on my visit and they each had their own unique personalities.  It was hard to leave and I actually lost track of time amongst taking pictures, snuggling with purr-ing kittens/cats and playing fetch with the dogs.

I Love You Maggie

This is my 2 year old Maggie and we just love her.  She is full of personality and LOVES to RETRIEVE.  However as soon as she see's her "Kitty" blanket she is as cuddly as a kitten.....so to speak.  She is persistant as she never gives up looking for her toy that is hidden beneath the snow and is very proud to bring it back to me.  I Love You Maggie!

Winter Olympics

First of all I just have to say that I love Labradors.....they are the only breed of dog for me.  Maggie and Jayda are true faithful members of my family along with lovable personalaties and playfulness....they truly make our family complete.  Being that Maggie is the baby she helps to keep Jayda young....despite her greying facial hair (don't show Jayda a mirror as she thinks she's still a pup sometimes).   Jayda is wise in years and Maggie humbly follows her around the yard.  However watch out when the toys come out....then the Olympics begin in our own backyard.  We've got the classic game of Fetch along the with Hide-And Go-Seek.  Then there's the always popular Tug-of-War.              

                "Ageless Beauty"                                  

                                                      "Lift Off"

                                                            "Play Fight"

                                                             "Wait"

SPCA Santa Pet Photos

This past December I was thankful to be able to help out the local SPCA with their Santa Pet Photos.  Was I ever stressed as I have never done indoor portrait photography before....but I have to say it didn't turned out alright.  Yes I had to use my flash....I am a manual/non-flash kind of gal.  I really enjoyed being able to photograph animals and it was for a good cause.

Moose Meadows

June 2011, I went with my youngest daughter on her field trip to Moose Meadows Farm here in Quesnel, British Columbia.  What a beautiful piece of nature to explore with children as well as adults.  Of course I brought my camera as by this point I had become addicted to taking pictures.  I just loved watching the children interact with the animals and visa versa.  I just have to mention that I have a fear of chickens....yes my secret is out.  I may act calm when I see one but if one or many walks near me I feel the need to run.  You see I was locked in a chicken coop when I was a child.....being that I was the youngest cousin and a girl, I guess the odds of these shenanigans happening on my grandpa's farm were inevitable.

"Simple Pleasures"

                                                                   "Mrs. Hen"

                                                                   "Thanksgiving"

                                                              "Say Cheese"

Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE)

This past August we had our family vacation in the Okanagan and attended the Armstrong IPE.  One of my favorite parts is walking through the large barns looking at all the farm animals.  When I was young my grandpa, who passed away when I was in college, had a farm.  We visited often and I loved to pretend to drive the various farm equipment and watch my grandpa milk the cows.  I have fond memories of being up to the top of my gum boots in cow poop and being afraid of the bulls becasue I really didn't think they liked the color red.  Needless to say farm animals always remind me of being on my grandpa's farm.

 "Momma's Milk"

I just had to take this picture because really how can this pig sleep while their big nose right in front of well.....poop.

                                                        "My Poop Don't Stink"

This little guy had some personality as he seemed like he was trying to communicate with me.  Maybe he's related to Wilbur....you know from Charlotte's Web.

                                                         "Piggy In The Middle"