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!

Got plans for this Saturday? No? Well, how about coming out to the PottMUTTster Dog Show! I’ll be there!

It promises to be a great time for both you and your canine friends! There will be vendors and there will be prizes!

Here are the deets!

If necessary, weather information will be posted on the PottsMUTTster Facebook Fan Page.

Hope to see you there!

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

Happy Friday Face!

Elspeth’s senior portrait session was long overdue. Busy lives, crazy schedules, and just not enough hours in the day made it a challenge to get together for our session. Over the weekend, however, it all fell into place. It was a gorgeous day and Elspeth was perfect! We had so much fun, and we even stirred up a little attention. One passer by almost ran off the road watching Els on the tracks!!

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!

When I first started my Cool Pets business it was strictly black and white film photography. No color, and definitely no digital color. Of course, now I do include digital color in my sittings, and I love the variety it offers. But, when I look at all of the “strictly black and white” sessions I have done I am reminded of the charm and basic “coolness” of black and white film.

Midnight and Maui were one of those sessions. Melissa and Kevin, Midnight and Maui. I remember it like it was yesterday. The weather was strange…overcast and foreboding. We weren’t sure if the sky was going to open up at any minute, but we persevered. Eryn was along with me as we photographed the Mauribers, and created some great memories. I still smile when I look at these images.

I recently connected with Melissa through my facebook fan page and found out that Midnight passed away last spring. He was a wonderful friend to Kevin and Melissa and I am honored to have met him and spent that afternoon with all of them.

Here’s a tribute to Midnight, and a storyboard of some great moments from our session.

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