The year 2023 presented significant challenges for my family. It began with the heartbreaking loss of our loyal Bluetick Coonhound, Annabelle, at the age of 9. Then, this fall, we were struck by another sorrow when my Chihuahua, Chew Chew, succumbed to heart failure. At that point, I couldn't fathom welcoming a new dog into our lives anytime soon. Life often unfolds in ways we least expect, and it welcomed us to a new chapter, as declared by my daughter and wife, Kieran. We were introduced to an 8-week-old Chihuahua weighing just 1.15 lbs. This little pup initially appeared somewhat shy on the first day, but by the third day, he displayed an abundance of youthful energy when awake. 

As the winter season approached, I realized I needed to ensure the well-being of our petite new family member in the cold weather. Unfortunately, it was a challenge to find toys and clothing suitable for a dog of his diminutive size. In my quest to provide warmth, I resorted to ordering a custom-made sweater from Etsy, hoping that it would fit him snugly and keep him cozy.

While I'm not particularly fond of staged dog portraits, I am passionate about capturing animals in their natural environments. In the photographs presented here, you'll find a balance of both approaches. The first image is a posed outdoor portrait, in some cold mums I purchased from the Girl Scouts. The second image showcases the pup enthusiastically chasing after me, with one ear perked up and the other adorably flopped down. His eyes still possess a captivating shade of blue, which is expected to transition in the weeks to come. It's evident that this little Chihuahua has already become a delightful subject for my winter photography pursuits.

I you would like to see a variety of animals portraits, feel free to check out this link to my gallery.  If you don't have dogs, don't worry I love all animals. If you live in Camp Hill I hope to see you with this little bundle of joy. https://www.jcwphoto.com/portraits/pet-or-animal-p...​

Getting your pets photographed offers several benefits, enhancing the bond between you and your furry friends and capturing special moments:

1. Memories: Pet photography helps create lasting memories. It preserves your pet's youth, unique personality, and the moments you share, allowing you to look back on them with fondness.
2. Personal Connection: Capturing your pet in photos deepens your emotional connection with them. It lets you celebrate the love and companionship you share, often leading to a stronger bond.
3. Artistic Expression: Pet photography can be a form of artistic expression for photographers. They can showcase their creativity while highlighting the beauty and individuality of animals.
4. Milestone Markers: Photographs can document your pet's growth and different life stages, making them valuable markers of your pet's journey from puppyhood or kittenhood to adulthood and beyond.
5. Healing and Coping: Photographs can be comforting and healing when dealing with the loss of a pet. They provide a tangible way to remember and cherish your pet, even after they've crossed the rainbow bridge.
6. Home Decor: High-quality pet photographs can be framed and displayed as art in your home, enhancing your interior decor with a personal touch.
7. Gifts: Pet photos make meaningful gifts for other pet owners or animal lovers. They show that you've put thought and effort into selecting a thoughtful present.
8. Social Media and Sharing: Pet photos are popular on social media, allowing you to share your beloved pets with friends and family. They can brighten your online presence and help connect with fellow pet enthusiasts.
9. Training and Behavior Analysis: In some cases, photographs can be used to analyze your pet's behavior, track their training progress, or address behavioral issues. They serve as visual documentation for professionals working with your pet.
10. Promotion and Adoption: If you're involved in animal rescue or fostering, well-taken photographs of pets can be crucial for promoting their adoption. High-quality photos can make a significant difference in finding them loving homes.
11. Pet Health: Photographs can also serve a practical purpose by documenting any changes in your pet's health, such as injuries, rashes, or unusual physical developments, which can be helpful for veterinary care.

In summary, pet photography provides an avenue to celebrate your pet's presence in your life, create tangible memories, and share their unique personality with others. It's a way to treasure and remember your beloved animals.