Michael and Marilyn headed out on the morning ferry, which brought our next visitors -- friends Catherine and Kurt and their two dogs, Sadie and Bella. It's wonderful to have them here and so nice to have dogs to pet and cuddle. For the CSC-30 challenge of bokeh, I finally convinced Sadie to pose for a few minutes while I shot into the trees and sun, to create natural bokeh as the light shined through.
@susale Thanks Susale! We're without dog now as well, having lost our bernie last month after 13 years. I've only not had a dog for two years of my adult life so it feels very very strange.
Another beauty! Lovely bokeh too! Do you think you will get another dog Taffy? Finlay is my first dog and I have been blown away at the companionship and love you get from a dog! Also handy to have as a fall back when I can't find a shot for the day! Finlay comes in handy!
@pamknowler I've hardly ever been without a dog - a large one, a that! Nutmeg was my third as an adult. My first was Echo, a lab/pointer mix who lived til 16; then Cosie, my first Bernese mountain dog who made it to almost 10. Then Nutmeg. I would never have imagined being without one, but for now, I don't think I can do it again. Frankly, I'm afraid to take the risk of another end of life experience that we had with Nutmeg -- too painful but I wouldn't have traded those 13 years with her for anything. So for now, I'm saying 'never again' but maybe after some distance in time and some travel without worrying about leaving a dog, we'd (or I'd) consider it. It is very strange without a dog companion and has been a joy having the two dogs here this week. Probably too much information!!
@taffy Taffy I had cats for as long as i can remember although I always wanted a dog. I was working full time in the City of London and it was long hours so thought it was unfair to have a dog. When my last cat died I also said "never again" - I could not bare the thought of another heartbreak when you loose a pet who has become a member of the family. I took early retirement a few years ago and last year I had the feeling that it was the right time for me once again to have a pet and yes I would have my first dog. I think time does help and you will know if/when it is the right time to have another dog or decide that now you have that freedom back you don't want to loose it again. You can borrow Finlay whenever you want a "fix"!! LOL!!
