this past year, working again with Vested Interest in K9's, Inc., i was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to photograph many of our local K9 teams. as always,  i came away from that experience feeling that i had been given so much more than i could ever give.  so if you are looking for a great gift for a dog lover and would like to support a wonderful organization, check out:  http://www.vik9s.org/2015-calendar/  ... oh, and if you're wondering, january & october are my personal favorites.

but i'd like you to meet the one i love the most.  you have probably seen the occasional photo of him scattered around this blog. his name is Milo and he's my own german shepherd. he's 5 years old.  he's a loving & gentle playmate to my children -- and he's a fierce protector of them, too. he's a total goofball with the people he loves but turns into a lion the moment he needs to protect those same people. at 100+ pounds, he still thinks he's my lap dog. he loves his frisbee, playing in the snow (as you'll see below) and going for rides in the car. he is everything that makes a german shepherd the most wonderful companion you could ask for.