Jetty has had his moments over the last few years! It took his owner years to get his registration papers. He’s one of those big goofy male dogs that matured slowly (but charmingly – he’s got a perpetual innocence that makes him so sweet). At the last show, he refused to enter the ring. He went right up to the edge of the ring and then sat himself down and wouldn’t budge.

Well, this past weekend, with the help of his groomer/handler, Stacy, all of Janet’s hard work with this guy came together and he showed to perfection. He’s the ultimate underdog and pulled off two terribly exciting wins. I couldn’t be happier for my dear friend who owns this lovely dog.

And one shot from earlier this summer (Jetty is owned by the same family who owns Lydia). Notice how he’s completely dry? He’s the PWD that doesn’t like to swim.

Bandit and Rascal were in one of my very first Foundations for Agility class. These two and their owners stuck with it and two years later are still learning new things and advancing their skills in an advanced agility competition class.

Bandit is a total natural at agility. She’s smart, has great attention and gives her handler a run for the money every time she’s out on the course.

Rascal is one of those “heart” dogs to me. For some reason, a dog will come along and just nestle itself into my heart. Maybe it’s the cowlick on the top of her head. Or her delicate approach to new things. She just absolutely charms me every time I see her.

(What’s funny – is that she looks like the wire-haired, JRT version of my little Gus. They’re going to get to meet next week – so hopefully they’ll be friends.)

And one last shot. One of those OOF and not quite perfect, but kind of cool action shots of Bandit tearing out of the weave poles.

This Sunday, July 12, Fur in Focus will be spending the afternoon at the Great Lakes Brewery downtown for their annual Dog Days of Summer. Come and join us for the afternoon. This annual event is a favorite and provides an opportunity to bring your dog with you to enjoy a meal and some great local beer at Cleveland’s celebrated, home-grown brew pub.

There will be contests, rescue organizations and specialty pet items available as they close down Market Street and welcome you and your canine companion.

I’ll be there taking photos and meeting all the dogs and people. It’s going to be alot of fun.

One thing: If it looks like rain, the event will be re-scheduled for July 19. Be sure to check the Great Lakes Brewery site for a status if the weather looks iffy!

This last one is of my neighbor’s son, Benji. He’s also the one giving his dog, Heidi, a drink of water in one of the images above. This is a kid after my heart. He LOVES dogs (he didn’t pose for this – I happened to notice him going around and giving kisses to all of the dogs and snapped this shot). He loves each and every one of them big and small. Often when we’re walking by their house, he’s out in the front yard wrestling with his dog. He’s also spent time playing with Gus. He’s sweet and gentle and has that one true love – one he shares with me. The pure and unadulterated love of all dogs.

To purchase prints from the 2009 Brecksville Dog Jog, visit the online gallery (password: brecksville)!

We were happy to be able to participate as a vendor and a photographer for the event. I’ll be posting three slide shows over the next few days so that anyone who wants to look for themselves or relive the event can enjoy the photos.

The three slideshows are:

The Race! It was a photo finish!
The Contests! This years turnout was wonderful – tricks, frisbee catching and costumes. And the ever popular, “Who Looks Like Their Dog” contest.
The Crowd! Big dogs, little dogs and their people.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Fur in Focus table and either signed up for the newsletter or entered the drawing for the photo cookie session. We’ll be drawing a winner and announcing it here on the blog tomorrow. Be sure to check back to see if you might be the winner!

To purchase prints from the 2009 Brecksville Dog Jog, visit the online gallery (password: brecksville)!

This Saturday, as a part of Brecksville’s Home Days celebration, the Recreation Department will be holding the Annual Dog Jog at the Blossom Hill Recreation Complex on Oakes Road.

Registration for the one mile fun run with your dog starts at 8am! The race starts at 9am and will be followed by a variety of contests, prizes and a raffle.

Fur in Focus Photography will be there. We’re offering a gift basket in the raffle where one lucky pet owner will win a gift certificate for a free photo session and 5 x 7 gift print of their dog (a $100 value!). We’ll also be holding a drawing at our table for another free session and gift print. The winner of the drawing will be announced here on Monday, June 29th.

Check back for the winner, event photos and don’t forget to say hi to us at the Dog Jog!

From last year’s 2008 Home Days event: The Annual Dog Jog! A day full of costumes, games and fun.

To purchase prints from the 2009 Brecksville Dog Jog, visit the online gallery (password: brecksville)!

She’s a rat terrier puppy. The name may not stick – Nevada Blue was her litter name. She should have her “real” name sometime soon. Sierra, Sylvia, Juliet? (my vote is for Juliet)