Summer time...

Even though Summer doesn't officially start until June twenty-first, it s beginning to feel like it here in North Texas. The temps are already edging near the century mark on those thermometers. But then, that's Texas for you! With the return of the familiar heat, maybe we can start the summer festivities!!! The breaking of new pools, boats, swim suits, and any other summer related gear or activities you can think of. Having lived in this area all my life I have spent many a hot day at the lake, life as a "lake bug" wasn't so bad... 

This all too familiar heat brings the urge to go to the lake, pool, river, or whatever body of water might be near by and dive in!! With school letting out now, I imagine most everyone's thoughts have turned to getting "out of Dodge" and enjoying time away from home/work! 

I hope y'all enjoy your summer! Be safe when traveling, and remember to drink plenty of water :)

Much love...and a paw shake from Chico....

**ANOUNCEMENT** Facebook Giveaway

I am doing a giveaway on Facebook. Once my business page reaches 500 fans, I will give hold a drawing for a free 5X7 print from my website!! Once you have liked One Shot Photography on facebook, all you have to do is go here, and fill out the form. Once I have 500 fans, I will randomly choose a name, and notify you through the e-mail address you leave on the form.

One Shot Photography's Animal Shelter Fundraising Project

One Shot Photography's May Newsletter

A Very Merry Christmas From Chico and Myself

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!
Chico sure was excited to see me when I got home this morning!
But then, he knew I had bought him a stocking and some goodies while I was at the store yesterday.
I gave Chico one of his toys yesterday evening, before I left for work. It should keep him busy for a while, provided I keep it full of treats. He also got a giant busy bone, a couple of regular Busy Bones, some granola Busy Bones, a duck that quacks, a rope, and a chewy that looks like it is an animal  hide or something. Needless to say, that he is a happy pup, playing with his toys, as I get ready for bed.
After work in the morning, we will gather our things and go see Mom, Dad, and my brother to spend the day together and exchange gifts! I am sure we will take at least one of Chico's new toys to show off.

Chico Playing with his toys . . .

I hope everyone got everything they wanted for Christmas, this year. Hug your family and celebrate this time with them.

Dogs....

I have the most handsome, Boxer boy ever. He is my heart, and he guards me like no other. Those of you who have met Chico, know the slober, and wiggle butt well. It bother's me that there are so many Boxers (well any breed) that are without their "furever homes" this Christmas. My mom has been rescuing Boxers for some time now, which has in turn somewhat rubbed off on me. I live in an apartment, so I don't have the oppurtunity to personally rescue dogs. I am, however; a fan of Legacy Boxer Rescue (LBR), and the work they do for this spectacular breed of dog. I donated $10.00 to LBR tonight through their donate link, you can do so also.
Because I live in an apartment, and do not have the room to bring another dog home, I try to network for dogs looking for homes on Pawsitively Texas'  Facebook fan page. I love my baby dog, and would love for all dogs to know the kind of love I have for my Chico.

LBR posted this Dogs Version of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" on their fan page:

Dog's Night Before Christmas

Author Unknown

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
...The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
My boxers were nestled, all snug in "MY" bed,
While visions of chewie toys danced in their heads.

I in my sweat pants and Dad in his sweater,
Had just settled down to read the Great Dog Reporter,
When up on the roof there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter!

Off to the window I flew in a flash,
Tore open the shutter and threw up the sash.
The moon on the crest of the new fallen snow
Gave a luster of midday to the objects below.

And what to my wondering eyes did appear
but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver so lively and quick
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

With a sputter of ashes -- a flurry of soot,
He slid down the chimney with all of his loot.
My Dogs stood there so regal and proud,
Guarding their home with barks oh so loud.
St. Nick showed no fear and called them by name,
He knew in his heart they were gentle and tame.

He brought out his list, checking it twice.
"Well, my beauties, all year you've been very nice.
I have in my bag toys and much more,
Just tell me what you pups really long for."

My dogs talked to each other -- much to my surprise
and turned to Santa with tears in their eyes,
"We have chewies and balls and ropes to be tugged,
We are pampered and coddled and petted and hugged.
But for Christmas, dear Santa, we have but one care,
that all dogs be loved as much as we are.
We want no dog beaten, whipped or chained,
No dog abandoned, abused or maimed.
We want all dogs, no matter what size,
to see love reflected in their master's eyes."

St. Nick stopped for a moment to gather his wits,
"I have nothing to stop humans from being such twits."
All dogs are so beautiful and are such a treasure,
Living only to be loved and give humans pleasure.
This lesson I will try to teach
Then maybe your wish will be within my reach."

St. Nick leaned over and kissed each beautiful head.
"Now you gentle giants, go off to bed.
Think good thoughts and dream good dreams
Of running and jumping and playing in streams."

St. Nick turned to me, his face wet with tears.
"Be proud of your babies, they are such dears."

In an instant St. Nick disappeared in a poof
And I heard him chuckle as he ran on the roof.
He jumped in his sleigh and to his team gave a whistle,
and off he flew like the down on a thistle.

And I heard him exclaim as the drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to All and To All Dogs a Good Life!"

The first time I read this, it made me cry. To think that there are dogs who don't know that kind of love. Yes, I am a bit of a softie when it comes to dogs. I hope all of you have a dog (or other animal) who can say these types of things about you. A true reflection of a person is the animal who owns them.

Merry Christmas, everyone, I hope Santa leaves you something sweet.

And from Chico: Slobbery Kisses and a few Boxer wiggles, just for you.

What do you want for Christmas?

If you could have anything you wanted for Christmas, and I mean ANYTHING; what would it be? I was doing some thinking after I posted my last blog, about my poor lonely little tree. Maybe it’s not so lonely after all, since I was thinking about so many loved ones when I was decorating it.
There are so many things that many of us take for granted that some would love to have. You know the things I am talking about, don’t you? Food, clean fresh water, electricity, a home . . .you know the list goes on and on.
Can you believe that in 1951 there were communities that were just getting electricity for the first time. Could you imagine living without electricity? Just about everything we do today, depends on the availability of electricity. I mean, you are reading this right now using a computer, or smart phone that requires electricity at some point in its charging cycle. Even as I type, my pc is plugged in to the wall. There are more vital to life things that we use electricity for. But so close to Christmas on December twenty-third in 1951 the final communities in Belgium received electricity! How exciting!!
I was at the airport yesterday, dropping a friend off. While waiting on time for boarding to get closer we were sitting down and drinking some water. I saw a young man who was in the military, it appeared that he was waiting on a flight to go home. I don’t know because I didn’t talk with him, I wish I had. I wanted to tell him thank you for the sacrifices he and his family has made. I could imagine the excitement his family must have waiting for him to come home. Incase, I haven’t told any of my friends who either have family in the military or are in the military themselves, I would like to say THANK  YOU, from the very depths of my soul. I do not know what you guys go through, and I truly appreciate everything you do for us.
Now, if I could have anything for Christmas, it would be; as cliché as it might sound, I would ask for peace on Earth, so that everyone could have their families together and safe.

Chico and I wish all our friends and family a very MERRY CHRISTMAS . . .