Eight years ago, a very special litter of puppies was born.
The puppies were Silken Windhounds; a rare dog breed I had only discovered existed a few months prior. I already had fallen in love with sighthounds’ sweeping, glorious looks and gentle temperaments. When I found out there was going to be an available puppy in this upcoming litter, I immediately claimed it and began saving my money. 10 weeks after the puppies were born, I brought Calantha home.
I have been extremely lucky to have Calantha in my life. For the past 8 years, she has been there through everything; ups and downs, good and bad. She has been my constant friend; the closest thing I will ever have to a daughter.
I have treasure these years, and there will be many more to come… Silkens are an especially long-lived dogs. In the meantime, Calantha will continue to be my model and muse, putting up with my artistic fumblings with great patience and long-suffering silence. I can’t help it. If she wasn’t so beautiful, I wouldn’t have to photograph her so often. She seems willing to put up with it.
Happy birthday, Calantha!

She held perfectly still for these photos, but as soon as I set the camera down,she smacked the ears off her head.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! How utterly adorable – and intelligent – and loving! Can you talk about the meaning of her name??? Give her a kiss from my CoCo, please!