Furry Bithday Girl

Eight years ago, a very special litter of puppies was born.

Newborn puppies; that’s Calantha on top.

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.

3-week puppies; Calantha is at the very back.

5-week Calantha

 

A few months old

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.

Photo by Scott Mayoral.

Photo by Scott Mayoral.

Photo by Scott Mayoral.

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.