I’d like to introduce you to Chippa, full name Chipolata Van Dachsian.

Her mom Kate had wanted a little Dachshund for a long time, so when her sister-in-law Amy, who happens to be a vet nurse, had some Doxie pups in for vaccinations, she couldn’t resist. But really – who could resist this adorable face, enormous ears and chubby legs?

Chippa in real life is even tinier than she looks in the photos. And even though she’s a quiet pup and a bit shy when it comes to meeting new dogs, she’s already made friends with the rest of the family dogs – including one very crazy Boxer – and even manages to hold her own when the bigger dogs are wrestling. Pretty impressive!

Did you know? Dachshund is German for “Badger Dog”. In Germany, however, they are known as Dackel or Teckel.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing an old friend.

Rabbie is the most beautiful, patient and gentle horse. When I first moved to Australia, I didn’t ride for about 5 years, so my first time back in the saddle was a bit.. let’s say, uncoordinated. While I was trying to coax my body back into the correct position, Rabbie patiently trotted around the arena all lesson and made sure that I only had to concentrate on myself. But once I got everything together, he switched into dressage-horse-mode and worked beautifully. He made it easy to gain my confidence back and I owe him so much for that. I have even tried campdrafting on this horse, and let me tell you – he gets quite feisty when the cows get on his nerves!

Rabbie has now retired from teaching, and has a new mom who loves him to bits. All the best, and thank you Rabs!

I put my bag down, opened it, and grabbed my camera. While I was chatting to Abby’s parents, she stuck her head into the bag, without hesitation grabbed a squeaky toy and carried it into the backyard to play. Abby is a 2-year-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (now that’s a mouthful), and she’s charming, funny, gorgeous, a perfect doggie model.. and also a little crazy. I knew this would be a fun one when her mom Ashleigh said “..she’s like a Border Collie, but more energetic”.

For two hours, she raced around the backyard, retrieving toys and playing tug, with short breaks in between to pose like a supermodel and smile at the camera. Went I left, exhausted and muddy but also delighted with the beautiful photos I was able to make, she was still going with no signs of slowing down!

Did you know? Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, affectionately known as “Tollers”, are the smallest of the retriever breeds. Unsurprisingly, they originate in Canada. They get their name from their ability to lure waterfowl into gunshot range, and as Abby demonstrated, they are intelligent and high energy dogs.