Boxer springer spaniel photoshoot at Beacon Hill in winter

Getting a puppy is so exciting. They are so funny, full of energy, it’s exhilarating- and tiring! then we get to see them become calmer- or slightly calmer depending on breeds- and slowly but surely they age, faster than us. We make memories together and we sometimes forget about taking the time to make photos because it feels it’s going to last forever.

When they get to the other end of their lives, when they  get slower, when their health deteriorates, when we see the signs that they won’t be with us forever, they become even more precious. We remember all the times we spent with them and don’t want to see them cross to dog heaven.

Max is a boxer springer spaniel cross though I would never have guessed it, would you?  I see the boxer but the rest is quite unique to him. He  is a 12 year old boy with several health issues. We hope it’ll be nothing but it’s scary nonetheless. He’s a boxer springer spaniel cross. His coat was absolutely perfect for the autumn colours of the ferns and oak leaves that stayed up despite the winter winds.

The wood was wet and cold but he agreed to sit and wait. He was so well behaved, his owners couldn’t quite believe it. I usually like taking photos of the dog with his family, but the humans were more shy than the dog. I find that capturing the relationship we have with our loved ones, be them with two or four legs, is the most important. It’s their love, our love that carries us through the days.

He has so many expressions, but he looks a bit sad to me, was it the cold of the day, his aches and pains, the weirdness of being a model, I hope he cheered up when he got home. Of course he had plenty of treats during the shoot too.

To see another older dog photoshoot, click here