I thought that in honor of this inauguration, I’d share some dog and cats I have had the pleasure to meet.

Hard Workers

River Rock Retriever

This is the official greeter at the River Rock Cafe in Mariposa, California.

Calico Security

This cat is the security at the Oakhurst Feed and Pet Store.

Jack

Jack is the supervisor at Western Sierra Nursery, my favorite photography spot. He condescended to pose for me as long as I was willing to pat him between pictures.

A Cause 4 Paws

Take me Home

Help – I Need Somebody

These cats were up for adoption at the “Cause for Paws” thrift store, which helps to find good homes for those cats and dogs who need a loving owner.

Here Boy

Brad

Pretty Please

Waiting

Beau

Roguerman Pinscher

I rescued Beau some years back when I found him abandoned by the Snake River in Idaho. Somehow, he managed to sneak his way into my heart. He is the most mischievous and roguish dog I’ve ever owned.

Equines

Noble Steed

I saw this horse at a Civil War Reenactment event. He posed so proudly that it was as if he wanted his photo taken. I just had to oblige such a fine show-off.

Muley

This mule works at Yosemite National Park in their stable. He was just enjoying the afternoon sun on his body.

Wild Animal Park

The Watcher

This bird was perched on a sign at the Wild Animal Park. He seemed quite unconcerned at all the people who passed him by.

Play Toy

The gorilla was just sitting there kissing the purple ball.

The Smile

The expression on the bull African Elephant’s face while he sucks his trunk is just too fun.

Canines

Shepherd

This handsome dog was walking at the Oceanside Farmer’s Market with his proud owner.

Homeless

This dog was at the Humane Society hoping someone – anyone – could take him out of his cage and give him a home. His mute appeal says it all.

I’m very pleased with these pictures. I’m also pleased to know that my photography will get better over the next year. That’s the good thing about art – if you continue to practice and learn more about what you love to do, you will get better at it.

I hope you will all embrace the passion in your life, and make it even better throughout next year.

Flora

I love capturing the fragile beauty of flowers. They are nature’s expression of joy.

White Hearts

Dancing Dogwood

Shadow Leaf

Colorful Cala

Sunny Bee

Fond Fauna

Saying Grace

My close encounter experience with this young bear took place along the Sentinal Dome trail in Yosemite. He ignored me as he scrounged for grubs and other delicacies in the rotted wood of the fallen tree.

Curious

Fresh Eggs

Humane Society Homeless

At the local Humane Society, I got to photograph some of the hopeful candidates for adoption. If you want some love in your life this new year, adopt a pet from your humane society. You’ll be giving someone a new leash on life.

Take Me Home

Kitty Glow

I wish you all the best new year, full of passion, joy and love. Happy New Year!

The Bird Show

We made a point of going to the Zoo’s bird show. It was a fun show and we got to see birds up close and flying freely.

Black Palm Cockatoo

The Thief

A volunteer from the audience was asked to hold out a dollar bill. This large Pied Crow flew to his hand and snatched out the dollar from his fingers and then flew back to the trainer.

Duck Soup

The Snooze

The Star

Gorillas

We went to the Wild Animal Park fairly late in the day as a whim. After all, we have season passes – have to get our money’s worth. Our treat was that the gorillas were active and made great photo subjects.

Baby Elephant Walk

When I took this photo, it was midday in the hot sun. (Not exactly the ideal time to take pictures.) I caught this picture of the baby, but the colors were dull and the scene was uninviting. However, once it was transformed into a black and white study, the picture comes alive.

Orangutans

Our trip to the San Diego Zoo on Labor Day was crowded but entertaining. There was much to see there. The orangutans were the best photo opportunity of the day. The huge male was lounging on the ground like a lazy Wookie or discarded fur rug. The smaller orangutan was just holding on to a nearby clump of wood, obviously bored.

Cheetah and Friend

My favorite moment at the Wild Animal Park was watching the trainer work with the trio of Cheetahs. He would throw a lure attached to a string and let the cheetahs play with it like kittens. After they were tired from play, he sat down on the grass and one of the large cats came up and started cleaning him. I imagine that her tongue had to be like sandpaper, but it was still a very loving gesture.

Meercat Mystique

Cock of the Walk

Secretary Bird

Peculiar Possum

Scarlet Starlet

Gorilla My Dreams