Gillian with Billy, Hamish and Ruby
Donna - Everyday Dogs.
We were fortunate enough to have the very talented Donna from Everyday Dogs at this shoot to assist with dog handling. Donna’s extensive experience with dogs is truly obvious, and very much appreciated. Thank you Donna for your help.
Our Shoot
Dogs, like little children, live in every moment, so of course, are easily distracted. Billy and Hamish did everything they could to pose beautifully from the start - they were born to pose. But don’t worry, Sassy Ruby caught on really fast and I swear I saw her have this realisation! “Hang on, I don’t have to do anything, just look pretty and I get the lollies”. She too, soon became a seasoned model!
Billy
The action scenes with these three were awesome. First up was dear old Billy, who is still very much young in mind, but the feeling of the boards on his feet on his first run meant he took things cautiously on his way to his Mum.
However, his second run was much more like the agility star he has always been. As fast as he could go.
From Gillian - “Billy is 14 and a quarter years old. He was the first and only dog I have chosen as a puppy. Billy was bred on a farm at Kojonup. He taught me so much about the sport of agility and we travelled together several times to Tamworth for the ADAA Grand Prix and also to the ANKC Nationals. He loves to do everything with gusto, even if it is sometimes misdirected. He has and always will be a vocal boy. Voicing his opinion often. He has always herded another dog in the household, and right now, that is Hamish. He plays the role of “Fun Police” and herds him away from other dogs.”
Hamish
Hamish’s run was adorable. He decided to curve away from the “big eye” that kept a very close eye on him. What he lacked in speed though he made up for in grace and beauty. All shoot I was calling Hamish “Fabio” or “Blue Steel” when he would give me his gorgeous blue steel face.
From Gillian - “Hamish came to me at 16 weeks of age. He was in foster care as part of a surrendered litter. No-one knew what breed of dog he was or how big he would get. He hasn’t grown much! As a youngster he was quite smooth coated. After about a year, he became quite floofy. His floofy coat is used to his advantage as he poses for pictures. When he first came home, I kept him separated from the others, but he wouldn’t have a bar of this and each time I came home, he was in with the others. I tried a few other things to keep him separated, but soon gave in as he was happy and safe anyway. Hamish loves dogs of all sizes and will happily play with dogs as big as Great Danes. I like to call him my cat-dog as he loves to curl up next to me or on my lap and will also sleep under the covers of my bed - thanks to my sister!”
Ruby
Well sporty Ruby was last for the action shots. Donna held onto her collar, Gillian stood behind me and called her. Well, Ruby came at me like a rocket! I wasn’t quite ready for her to come so fast, so we did a second run pretty soon after! Again, she flew towards me, all happy faced and carefree. What a gorgeous girl. During my consults at Gillian’s home, Ruby liked to get all the cuddles from me. She is quite a cuddler, she really holds on tight and hugs in hard.
From Gillian -“Ruby came to me from another home at age 2. She didn’t take long to settle in and in no time became boss of the other dogs! She herds Billy on walks, so it is a funny kinda payback to watch him get back what he dishes out. Ruby can be nervous with some things, but bold with others. She really loves to learn new things. I am hoping one day she will also enjoy agility with me. On a drive to the beach she can be quite the drama queen - crying and dramatically flopping down flat in her crate while I drive. I can just imagine her saying “Are we there yet?” or “This is so unfair”. Once at the beach though, she seeks out a stick so I have no choice but to throw it for her. When she relaxes at home, she can give the best full hugs - but these are always on her terms - when she’s done - she’s done.”
When you get to know these dogs as individuals, they have their own strong personalities that really make you laugh and smile. I am so grateful to have met Gillian and her magnificent family of dogs.
