Cartoony Indy

Poor Indy...she puts up with a lot around here. As if dealing with Peyton wasn't bad enough, she has to put up with me...and my wide angle lens.

Peanut head...

*So* embarrassing.

Big bird?

Whoa.

And almost normal...for Indy.

I just can't help myself; she really is a cartoon character! Thankfully, she still loves me...I think. :)

Say WHAT!?

When I told Peyton that we were giving away a bunch of cool stuff, I think he got a little worried...

But once I assured him that his antler and toys were safe and that we were doing this giveaway because we wanted to share with our friends, he calmed down...just a little.

Have you noticed that Peyton can be just a wee bit dramatic? Anyway, this is just a friendly reminder to let you know that you only have 2 days left to leave your comment here for a chance to win some fun surprises. It's super easy and you're welcome to post as "anonymous"...just make sure to leave me a name!

Oh and a super big thank you for the donations to Johann's shelter...I'm sure that they will really appreciate it!

Models Spotted

In preparation for the Pet Extravaganza this weekend, I decided to take some test shots with my new backdrop. Fortunately for me, I have three very willing (read: bribable) spotty dogs who are always happy (read: somewhat tolerant) to be models.

Let's start with Indy - the *happiest* model ever, she says "I-love-modeling-yes-I-do-woo-woo-woo"...

But don't you dare look at her the wrong way, or accidentally imply that she might be looking a wee bit "fluffy" lately or you might get this...

If looks could kill...yup, that's my Indy girl. I would never say that she's *moody* cause well, I would like to wake up in the morning.

Pongo, on the other hand, is my old pro. He's a little past his modeling prime, but I can always count on him to deliver at least one good shot.

And Peyton...well, he's what I would call my aspiring model. He tries just a little too hard. He wants to be "cool". He wants to be "different". Normal ears do not apply here...I guess he's trying to make up for the fact he can't sport a mohawk.

Hmmm, does this remind you of a geeky high-school yearbook photo? Now all he needs is a pair of glasses with tape in the middle. :)

If you would like to see some more (slightly less geeky) shots of Peyton, be sure to check out my photography blog at simplyspottedblog.com.

When Bad Photos Happen to Good Dogs

Sometimes it just happens...

You're taking pictures of a lovely dog and you end up with melting eyeballs (it is pretty hot here)...

Or you get a head that spins faster than a poltergeist...

And then there are those photos where there really doesn't seem to be a logical explanation other than a straw hat and pipe might be in order...

Poor Blue...hope she doesn't get mad and decide to seek revenge. :) You can see some not-so-oops images over at my other blog, which also includes some pictures of Mick Chicken, the super adorable Great Dane/Lab puppy.

On a different note, we would like to thank our good friends over at Life With Dogs for including us in their "Recommended Dog Blog" list which is featured on blogs.com. And once again, the spotties and I are truly honored! Although Indy is starting to think Nigel might have a little crush on her. Or is it Peyton? :)

Party Pictures

Did someone say party!?!?



Zoing! A new ball!



Peanut butter eyes...



Yuuuuuuuuuumy!



Peanut butter kinda makes my tongue fall out...



Moooooore!



Urp.

Peanut Butter Fun

Peyton's birthday treat was frozen yogurt with some peanut butter. Really the PB was for me...I *love* me some PB faces! He thought it was all very yummy, but says that he really wanted a cake like his friend Tess got for her birthday. *Sigh* doesn't it stink when another dog-mom is cooler than you? :)

Anyway, here are a couple PB faces - I've got some more that I'll share later. Today was bath day for the spotties (much to Peyton's dismay) and I'm exhausted!





(That was Peyton's snake imitation!)

Mad Spotty Dog

Peyton is really upset that his birthday is over! He thinks birthday parties should last forever - especially when presents and peanut butter are involved...

What a Face!

Silly Weim Faces

Meet Bela - The biggest. baby. ever. I'm still going through pictures from my trip and I have to share some of these shots since I *love* funny faces - and Bela sure gave me some great ones.

This first one reminds me of a high school yearbook photo... :)

Outta Here!

Well, I'm off for a quick weekend trip to Indiana in the morning...I would be complaining about the cold, but it's been so chilly here the past few days, the Indiana weather isn't looking *too* bad. I guess Florida is preparing me - I taught three classes outside tonight and for the first time since moving down here, I couldn't feel my toes. We even had frost forming on the chute...burrr!

Anyway, hopefully it will be a fun little trip...I'm really looking forward to seeing my Indy friends (who never come to visit me in (usually) warm, sunny Florida - hint, hint!). Although Peyton's not too happy - this is what he thinks about me leaving...



Hopefully he'll be good at "grandma's" house...Peyton, are you reading this?? ;)

Funny Faces - Lab Style!

This is Rogue, a lovely 2 1/2 year old chocolate lab. I photographed her and her two older brothers yesterday. I'll be sharing more pics soon, but I couldn't resist posting some of these great funny faces first. :)

Spotted In The Kitchen

I hate cooking. Seriously, my idea of fixing a meal does not go much beyond opening a box of cereal and adding some milk. It's not that I don't know how to cook, it's just that I can usually think of about a million things I would rather do than spend time in the kitchen.

The funny thing is that I cook for my dogs, and you know I really don't mind it. I'm not exactly sure why...maybe it's because they don't have a choice when it comes to what they eat, or maybe it's because they never complain about my cooking. :)

I started cooking for Peyton almost a year ago. He was having some allergy troubles so with the help of Sabine at Better Dog Care, I put him on a home cooked elimination diet. I'm still not sure *exactly* what he's allergic to, but he's done so well on this diet that I've decided to stick with it.

So every week he gets a yummy mixture of chicken, ground turkey, eggs, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, cottage cheese, yogurt, rice, carrots, zucchini, and parsley. He also gets a variety of supplements, along with coconut, canola, and fish oils. He thinks it's all very tasty and when it's all mixed up, it looks something like this...



And then it gets divided up into little containers that get popped into the freezer, and every day one gets defrosted for Peyton's dinner.



The spotties really like it on food-fixing day, since they usually get to taste test.

Peyton says *I want*...



A little closer please...



Then the crazy tongue comes out...



Along with the bug eyes...



More!!!!



Yum-yum-yum-yum-yum-yum-yum!



Then he gets to lick the bowl, but he has to wait first...

Please can I have it?



I'm *not* touching...



Pretty pleeeeze?



Come on! What more do I have to do?



Finally!



All gone? No more?



Isn't that one of the most pitiful spotty faces you've seen? I almost feel sorry for him... :)

So that's about the extent of my cooking! Lucky spotty dogs have it good that's for sure. And I have to give credit to Sabine - she is awesome! When it comes to canine nutrition, she knows her stuff. And her consultations are extremely reasonable. Whether you feed kibble, home cooked, or even raw, she will help you find the best possible diet to meet your and your dog's needs. For more information, please check out the "Better Dog Care" link located under "a few of my favorites".