Monday, December 20, 2010

The Adventures of Sheldon and Duncan: The Christmas Portrait

For those of you with pets in your home, no doubt you will appreciate this post. As we're in the final stretch of the Christmas holiday week, I felt it was time to post this holiday photo. It was supposed to be better than it turned out, but the challenge is the subjects of the photo. This brings me to another installment of The Adventures of Sheldon and Duncan: The Christmas Portrait. I am a bit of a traditionalist with things like holiday photos and like everything just so. Both poodles went to the grooming salon for a bath, brush and fluff. Even Owen was clean, fluffy and ready for his close-up. I set the stage with a roaring fire, switched on the Christmas tree lights, and had the lighting just so. I positioned the kids in front of the tree, and on cue, Owen sauntered over to the fireplace and sat on the hearth next to his brothers. 

Sheldon sat up especially straight- he always tries very hard to please- so much so that he had a serious expression on his face. Duncan, on the other hand was smiling non-stop, and looking around. There I stood, giving all sorts of instructions and commands to the three of them, as if they actually understood my direction. They looked left. They looked right. They switched places. I kept clicking away, hoping for the one perfect photo. After a few minutes they became impatient, and just wanted a break. I insisted we try a few more shots. I could see tails wagging excessively, as if they had all they could do to hold back their excitement. 

Then the damn burst. Duncan couldn't hold it in any longer; he darted toward me, tail wagging, smiling broadly. "No-no, Duncan, SIT, SIT" I shouted. He looked at me bewildered. Sheldon remained sitting, but noticeably perturbed by his brothers outburst of emotion. Owen became squirmy and began grooming himself. I fetched some semi-moist dog treats to tempt them into submission. Both dogs were repositioned yet again, and while holding a treat in one hand I began snapping photos. Then the clock chimed- Duncan turned his head. Then an airplane flew overhead- Sheldon looked out the window. It was hopeless. I reviewed the photos captured thus far. Several were blurry. Several were just plain awful. One good one didn't have the kitty in it. One had all three of them, but no one was looking at the camera. ::sigh::

I looked back at my three children and realized they are the best pets for which a guy could ever ask. I smiled at them and called them to me. They were overjoyed with the calling and bounded toward me, licking my face in appreciation. It was then, at that moment I felt the Christmas Spirit. All was well, regardless of who was looking at the camera. We are a family, sharing our own Christmas joy.

11 comments:

Karelian Blonde said...

What a lovely picture! Never mind that Owen turned his head away they look perfect :)

Anonymous said...

That last line says it all... yep, you're a fammily...

KathyA said...

What a gorgeous picture!! I cannot believe Owen actually cooperated!!

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

oh my gosh i LOVE this post rick!!! merry christmas my friend!!!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxo

grace said...

Merry Merry, what a lovely lovely photo!

xo

Cheryl said...

You know what they say about the best laid plans? It's still an adorable picture.

I saw someone who looked just like you at Starbucks today. I almost asked if it was you, but I knew it couldn't be. It was your twin.

kenju said...

I like the photo, even thought the cat isn't cooperating - but when do they ever?

Merry Christmas, Rick.

Jeni said...

Kenju is so right about uncooperative cats! But I still like the picture of your babies very much. I'm afraid if we tried to get a picture of Sammy and Fluffnuts together, it would be just of Fluffnuts walking around and Sammy right behind him, with his nose practically jammed up Fluffers' butt! Yeah, a lovely sight those two are, for sure but they're both our babies and we love 'em, even if they do some rather weird things from time to time.

Sharon said...

I wish you and your entire family the merriest of Christmases! Peace and joy.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Very Very sweet, my dear Rick! And true, too! YOU are a Family! And a really dear one!

I WISH YOU AND YOURS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY DEAR! Have a really beautiful day!

Tea N. Crumpet said...

This is so sweet! You have the most awesome and loyal family EVER!

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