Hello!

I was asked by West Paw Design to take some photos of their products. They are a great dog-loving (and cat-loving) company out of Montana. Their products are made in the USA. In fact 98% of their products are made right next to their office in Bozeman, MT. And you know if they're creating products tough enough for Montana dogs, they gotta be good and strong!  

The company said they were happy to send me a lot of product, knowing that I would donate it to the humane society after the shoot. I loved that they said that. When I was in grade school, I used to volunteer once a week after school to walk dogs at the local humane society. Now my parents volunteer there. And by volunteer there, I mean practically live there. They go probably three times a week and walk the dogs for hours. They're considered "red" walkers which means they walk the highest risk dogs. They even take the dogs on rides in their car to socialize them. It is important for kennel dogs to be exposed to people and the world or they can grow ornery in the kennel. In my dad's free time, he builds kennels and keeps the structure of the humane society in tip-top shape.

Anyways, we have a great love for animals in our family and I was thrilled when West Paw Design shipped me a box of beds and toys!

My first thought was to try to showcase each product with a different dog model borrowed from friends and family. However, after I was watching Arlo and Wally playing in the backyard one evening, it occurred to me that I have to two biggest hams right in my own backyard. Quite literally. Everywhere Arlo and Cy go, their beloved pup Wally comes too.

We adopted Wally from the Humane Society of Minnesota about a year and a half ago. We have no idea what breed he is - there are many guesses - some folks think he might be a Kelpie... I know he definitely has some herding-breed in him.

He has brought great joy to our home in the past two years. He is a bit of a wonderdog too. He rarely needs a leash and is always within earshot. He comes charging back to us with a mere whisper of his name. He is loyal, happy and perhaps a bit of an overzealous licker. We love him.

I don't usually use my own family as "models" out of fear that they'd quickly tired of it... but this time we all had great fun! It was a natural fit. In fact - it was very hard to stop this series. After school the boys come running in the door ready to do something silly with Wally. So this was a natural fit!

Thank you again West Paw Design!

Finally here are some photos that make me laugh but didn't make the cut!  

Thank you for reading along!