A while ago I photographed Dina and her two wonderful dogs…Meatball and Delilah. Meatball was quite the show stopper and as a result, his adorable face has remained one of my “Cool Pets Classics.” He seemed to steal the show….but, Meatball’s companion, Delilah is quite a show stopper herself. With her beautiful coloring and the sweetest expression, Delilah deserves her shining moment too!

So, after way too long, here is a loving look at Delilah and Dina!

Happy Friday Face!

Another year at the farm passes and we had to reluctantly say goodbye. Hopefully you remember last July when I blogged about the most wonderful place on earth, East Hill Farm. Each July for the passed 13 years we have made the trip to New Hampshire for our week at the farm. It is a vacation like no other. What, you might ask….a vacation on a farm…what’s so great about that? Well, it’s a farm thing. Some people get it, some don’t. Some come and stay their week, and never return. But us, and many of the friends we have met over the years who are there our same week; we all get it. This year was again more wonderful than the last. It becomes harder and harder to say goodbye on that sad final day. As the kids are making friendship bracelets on the lawn, and ice cream in the screen porch, the adults chat and hug and bid farewell while counting the days until we are all back again for our wonderful week in July.

Our accommodations are the same every year…same rooms, same incredible view of Mt. Monadnock and Perkins Pond. What occasionally changes, however, is our neighbors. For the passed few years, our neighbors were pigs. A bit smelly, but not too noisy, except for the occasional flare up when one gets in another’s way and has to be put back in his place. But, this year? We were treated to these guys. A donkey that my daughter and her friend have affectionately named Alfredo (but that’s really not his name) and several goats.

Alfredo. Let’s just say he likes to make his presence known, no matter what time of day. The first morning….it was about 2 am, 5 am, and 7 am. But, as the week went on, either he quieted down, or we just got used to him, and didn’t seem to wake up when he bayed.

No matter the noise, I miss Alfredo, and his goat companions. So on that last day I took a few photos so that I can remember and gaze upon them until next year when we are all reunited.

Happy Friday Faces.

This week’s face belongs to a sweet, sweet girl. Her name is Mandy and is she is a lovely golden with a beautiful smile!

Happy Friday Face.

Last night was a very special night. Very special indeed. It was graduation night. Eryn, my oldest daughter, walked up on stage and accepted her high school diploma. It was a gorgeous night here in the Perkiomen Valley, and our high school stadium stands were filled to the brim with proud parents, grand parents, friends and relatives…myself and my husband, Eryn’s sister, Camryn, my mom, my husband’s dad and his wife included. It was a beautiful ceremony held outdoors in the football stadium…just like in the movies!

High School graduation is such an exciting time. A time to embark on endless opportunities, and to basically start fresh! This fall Eryn will be starting her college career, and I am so proud and excited for her. Of course, I will be with her every step of the way, just like always, whether it be by email, text, facebook or phone. But, be there, I will.

Many of you know Eryn. She has been my assistant from day one of my Cool Pets business. Lots of you may remember her as the little 10 year old helper who has such a way with animals. She’s been calm, and soothing to some of the shyest dogs. So, it is truly fitting that she will be studying to become a veterinarian.

How wonderful these 18 years have been. I can’t wait for the coming years to continue to accompany her on her life’s journey.

So, this week’s face appropriately belongs to Eryn.

I love you Eryn. Congratulations on a wonderful accomplishment.

Here is a highlight from last night.

As the graduation ceremony was coming to an end, I could hear many people in the stands asking if the graduates were going to throw up their hats….just like in the movies!! The last speech ended, they moved their tassles over to the other side of their caps and then the students began to head out. But, instead of walking straight out of the stadium, they moved out into a large circle. When everyone was in place, the class president walked into the center of the circle and lead the class as they threw up their caps in celebration.

Chills, I tell ya. Chills.

The PottsMUTTster Dog Show was last Saturday….and it was a HUGE success. It was actually the 1st Annual PottsMUTTster Dog Show, but don’t let that name fool you. It could have been the 10th annual…that’s how together everything was! I commend the event’s organizer, Tonda, for doing such a fabulous job. I was so pleased to be a part of it.

All proceeds went to the Chester County SPCA, and there was a nice chunk of proceeds…somewhere around $1200. Not bad for a “1st Annual” event!!

The day was quite hot, and unexpectedly sunny. So all of the canine attendees were panting like crazy. Me, I just got a huge sunburn!

My job was to photograph all of the category winners for their entry into the final Grand Prize Contest….which consisted of some delicious Hungry Puppy Treats, a doggy dinner at The Funky Lil Kitchen, and a Cool Pets portrait sitting with yours truly!

Here are a few of the individual winners. Congrats to everyone, and also, big congratulations to Pheona, who was our grand prize winner.

Photos of Pheona’s session coming soon!

Happy Friday Face!

This is one of my favorites of Toni and Reesee. Although, lately, they don’t quite see eye to eye, they look very happy go lucky here!!

Happy Friday Face!

I just realized, Phoebe has not made an appearance on the blog! So, here she is, wearing her beautiful mask!!

Happy Friday Face!

Here is a beautiful little baby pit face. For the life of me, I can’t remember his name! I photographed him during a fundraising event event so my time with him was really brief, but ever so sweet.

So…

Happy Friday Face!

Dear sweet Annie. She is the busiest, sweetest little girl. Just look at those innocent eyes. Adorable!

I’m off to see Annie and her mom this afternoon to show them all of the photos! Can’t wait!

Happy Friday Face!

Bostons. They are really, really cool dogs.

And, Pepper? She is the first Boston I have photographed! That makes her an original!

Happy Friday Boston Face!!

All images ©Susan Dodd