As I took photos of Shyla in the desert, I had so much fun. She's become a dog who can anticipate what I want her to do and even decide for herself what to do next for my camera.
This was an example. As the sun was setting on K's Rock, Shyla decided that it was time to wave. When Shyla decides something like that, I go with it to encourage her to have confidence to be assertive.
I've encouraged confidence in every possible way ever since I realized how fearful she was when I met her almost 7 years ago. Back then, I had no idea if we'd ever reach a point where we moved seamlessly as a team. I shouldn't have doubted.
When I photographed her in the desert, it was so much fun! I'd forget the time and forget the whole outside world. It was just Shyla and me playing games that sometimes ended up making good photos.
The sunset light inspires me, and Shyla seems to understand that time is short before the sun dips below the horizon. She follows my cues eagerly and fast.
She loves resting her chin on something and looking out into the distance - we can see so far in the desert, and she seems to love that.
She may like resting her chin on something because she can take a cat nap every now and then!
Back when I first met Shyla, I had very little hope that we would end up as such a tightly knit team. Of course, I'd just lost K, a dog with whom I'd built a bond for 8 years so Shyla seemed almost foreign to me. Over the years that I've known Shyla, she's made me a more sensitive and patient person. I hope that I've helped her to learn to believe in herself. It sure seems like it.
you two are a wonderful team... and miracles happen... if we believe and if we love each other ;O)))
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteIt is incredible how bonds form - so subtly that we often don't recognise them until they are tugged or broken. This is a wonderful thing to be thankful for, the awareness of the growth. YAM xx
So many stunning photos! I love the first one - it looks like she is taking some kind of oath, lol! Girl Scout, perhaps?
ReplyDeleteyour times with Shyla and with R have made me a better dog mama and I have learned so much from all your posts on how to work with dogs... it is helping me so much with our Big Boy.... your Shyla Shots are always amazing
ReplyDeleteGreat shots and you're a great team. It shows.
ReplyDeleteHave a woof woof day, Shyla. My best to your peep. ♥
I love seeing your bond now with Shyla. It gives me hope with Matilda, since sometimes we seem so alien after ten years of being intensely bonded to Casey. I try not to compare them, but it's so hard not to sometimes!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
You and Shyla sure are an amazing team. Those pictures are just stunning and Shyla's sweet personality shines through.
ReplyDeleteShyla might have been a runway model in another life. She sure does have posing down to an art.
ReplyDeleteI honestly believe the person, pet, opportunity comes to us when we most need it.
Shyla was yours
Hugs Cecilia
It's very evident that the two of you share a strong bond.
ReplyDeleteShyla is such a sweet and beautiful girl, we love her lots. Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteYou and Shyla are the most beautiful team ever, KB♥
ReplyDeleteYou guys are such a pawsome team!
ReplyDeleteWe can't believe it has already been 7 years since Shyla came to you. It is so very clear from all your photos of her that the bond between you two is awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteThe bond you have is incredible! She is one remarkable pup - and the two of you are an amazing team!
ReplyDeleteKZK
It is so lovely to see your bond with Shyla, especially after the huge heartbreak of K's loss.
ReplyDeleteShyla has responded to all your love and devotion and time you spend helping her feel safe and you both are rewarded with such a special bond
ReplyDeletehugs
Hazel & Mabel
It's been wonderful watching you and Shyla grow together as a team!
ReplyDeleteWhile the pictures are beautiful they don't match the beauty of the bond between the two of you.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't say it better than any of the commenters above. In building that bond, you both have given so much to each other. It's been beautiful to watch, and I too have learned from all you've shared about your hard work. So impressed with both of you!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Chris from Boise
My mom says we are all different, but we all develop our own special bond and relationship with her. She sees my relationship with her really starting to bloom as I mature. It's wonderful that you and Shyla have turned into such a great team.
ReplyDeleteYou deserve the credit for allowing Shyla to become the dog she has become. I'm so happy for all of you.
ReplyDeleteYou two have come such a long way, and you do beautiful things together. ♥
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets