Pet and nature photography blog by William Wise - WILLIAM WISE PHOTOGRAPHY

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Mickey

8/2/2017

Wednesday, 8:48 AM - Wednesday, 8:48 AM - Mickey was certainly a cute little guy! One of those dogs you just have to call “mixed breed”! He was a smallish-medium sized boy with a super-cute personality.

He was turned in stray on August 2, 2017. Since I was already down-and-dirty photographing several other dogs in the shelter, he went out on the assembly line for a quick shoot. His cute face drew the attention of Athens Canine Rescue and he was picked up on August 7, 2017.

“Mickey” was turned in to the Walton County Animal Control shelter as a stray on August 2, 2017. He was photographed the same day and posted to the shelter’s website, www.waltonpets.net. He was rescued on August 4, 2017 by Athens Canine Rescue! His rescue was sponsored by a pledged donation from Lane!

williamwisephoto is saving to replace and upgrade the aging shelter camera. Any donation is a huge help!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Peaches

8/2/2017

Wednesday, 9:20 AM “Peaches” was another big boy on an assembly-line-photoshoot morning of several dogs. This handsome dog was another owner surrender that was brought to the shelter on August 1, 2017.

His owner bragged about what a great dog he was with kids, cats and other dogs. But his downfall: pigs. Yes, pigs. He had attacked the owner’s pig and they just couldn’t have that. So he ended up here. He was on the quiet side, which came through in his photos peering from behind the trees.

Peaches was rescued on August 11 by Tina and Joan and was on his way up north after some needed neutering and vaccines. His rescue was sponsored by generous pledged donations from Blan, Kay, Alice and Eileen.

williamwisephoto is saving to replace and upgrade the aging shelter camera. Any donation is a huge help!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Dixie

8/2/2017

Wednesday, 8:40 AM - Dixie was surrendered on August 1, 2017. Later that day, other family members were calling wanting to get her back. Although they were getting upset with the shelter, it was her owner that had turned her in. After repeated calls from multiple people, they finally came down to the shelter and adopted her back.

We could possibly have done a reclaim, but made them adopt for a few reasons. One, she wasn’t being claimed by the person that turned her in. Second, she was in heat and really needed to get spayed. By making them adopt, an adoption contract requiring spay within 30 days had to be signed. And Walton County Animal Control aggressively follows up on all those contracts! To their surprise, several people have been arrested over the years for failing to neuter their adopted pet!

“Dixie” was surrendered to the Walton County Animal Control shelter by her owner on August 1, 2017. She had her glamour photo session on August 2 and was posted on www.waltonpets.net. Her owner came back and re-adopted her on August 3, 2017.

williamwisephoto is saving to replace and upgrade the aging shelter camera. Any donation is a huge help!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Zipper

8/2/2017

Wednesday, 9:01 AM - I hate to say it, but Zipper was one of those less-than-attractive dogs that doesn’t normally make it out of the shelter. Large intact male dogs have a hard time. Black dogs have a hard time. And dominant dogs have a hard time. Zipper was all three.

He was surrendered by his owner on July 31, 2017. Since he had no chance of being claimed by an owner, that even further decreased his chances. No vaccines, not neutered, little training. Was there any hope for Zipper?

I took Zipper out for a photoshoot on August 2, 2017. His enthusiasm and love of life shined through in his photos. And that must have been enough. For, against all odds, he got his day of salvation!

Thank God for rescues that come forward for dogs that need rescue, and not just for the cute and small breed dogs. On August 11, the team of Joan and Tina came and picked up Zipper along with several others. They pick up, vet, and transport up to a few different receiving rescues in the north. Have a happy life, Zipper!

His rescue was sponsored with pledged donations from Debbie, Kay, Alice and Cindy.

Help us upgrade the shelter's aging camera! Be a part of saving lives.

Red-Tailed Hawk Close-Ups

8/1/2017

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message

Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis, North American Raptor bird of prey. Close up portrailt profile of beak, feathers, eye. Sick juvenile red-tailed hawk picked by Animal Control. Walton County, Monroe, Georgia, USA.

Tuesday, 10:55 AM – The Department of Natural Resources' game wardens were all tied up and asked us at animal control to respond in regards to a sick hawk on the side of a country road. Upon arriving, it was quite apathetic to human handling. It didn’t protest, try to get away or even defend itself. I propped it on a low branch, but it wobbled and nearly fell off the perch a few times. I knew it wouldn't make it if left out there. I got some close up shots before placing it in a carrier to transport to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Walton County, Georgia
Sunny, lower humidity
High 89°; low 60°
Sunrise 6:45 PM; Sunset 8:33 PM
Day length 13 hours, 48 minutes

Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis, North American Raptor bird of prey. Close up portrailt profile of beak, feathers, eye. Sick juvenile red-tailed hawk picked by Animal Control. Walton County, Monroe, Georgia, USA.

Raptor Bird of Prey, Juvenile Red Tailed Hawk Picture

Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis, North American Raptor bird of prey. Close up portrailt profile of beak, feathers, eye. Sick juvenile red-tailed hawk picked by Animal Control. Walton County, Monroe, Georgia, USA.

Close up of talon claws of a Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis, North American Raptor bird of prey. Sick juvenile red-tailed hawk picked by Animal Control. Walton County, Monroe, Georgia, USA.

Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis, North American Raptor bird of prey. Close up portrailt profile of beak, feathers, eye. Sick juvenile red-tailed hawk picked by Animal Control. Walton County, Monroe, Georgia, USA.

Waltonpets Furtography Blog: Count Chocula

7/28/2017

Friday, 8:26 AM - “Count Chocula” was a goofy Bordeaux mix that came through the shelter in July, 2017. He was picked up stray by one of the animal control officers on July 20, 2017. Being a very busy week, I couldn’t get the time for his glamour photo session until over a week later. Just a few days after posting his improved photos, he was adopted on August 1, 2017!

Do you want to be a part of the life-saving photography on waltonpets.net? williamwisephoto is saving to upgrade the aging shelter camera. Any amount donation helps!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Snow

7/28/2017

Friday, 9:12 AM – “Snow” was a gorgeous girl with a happy bull terrier personality that came into the shelter on July 26, 2017 when her owner was incarcerated in a traffic stop in Walton County.

Having some time, and knowing her pretty white coat and wonderful facial expressions would photograph well, I took her out for a quick photo session on July 28.

During the week that she was here, her pretty white coat and pink ears made a splash on the internet. Her owner sent some friends to bail her out on August 8, 2017.

Walton County Animal Control
www.waltonpets.net.

williamwisephoto is saving to replace and upgrade the aging shelter camera. Any donation is a huge help!

Zipper Spider...

7/27/2017

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message

Spider Web Yellow Garden Zipper Spider Picture

Argiope aurantia, yellow garden spider, black and yellow garden spider, golden garden spider, writing spider, corn spider, McKinley spider, St. Andrew`s cross spider. Walton County, Georgia, USA.

Thursday, 7:57 AM - A short morning walk before the day gets started to see what critters may be up on the shelter ponds. Several Yellow Garden Spiders (Argiope aurantia) were busy over the duckweed bog last night. There were at least five large, perfectly formed webs suspended over the still water of the bog.

This conspicuous arachnid goes by several names: yellow garden spider, black and yellow garden spider, golden garden spider, writing spider, corn spider, or McKinley spider. In Australia, Argiope are known as St. Andrew's cross spiders, for their habit of resting in the web with legs outstretched in the shape of an X, the cross of St. Andrew.

Spider Web Yellow Garden Zipper Spider Picture

Argiope aurantia, yellow garden spider, black and yellow garden spider, golden garden spider, writing spider, corn spider, McKinley spider, St. Andrew`s cross spider. Walton County, Georgia, USA.

When a co-worker looked at my photo, he added another moniker: Zipper Spider. Their webs contain a dense zigzag, or stabilimentum, in the center. Hence the nicknames Zipper Spider and Writing Spider.

I am not much of a spider aficionado, and much less a spider identifcation expert. But an internet search indicated the other spider may be a Longbodied Cellular Spider, Pholcus phalangioides.

Walton County, Georgia
Sunny, high 91°; heat index 98°

Spider Web, Longbodied Cellar Spider Picture

Pholcus phalangioides, Longbodied Cellar Spider. Walton County, Georgia, USA.

Spider Web Yellow Garden Zipper Spider Picture

Argiope aurantia, yellow garden spider, black and yellow garden spider, golden garden spider, writing spider, corn spider, McKinley spider, St. Andrew`s cross spider. Walton County, Georgia, USA.

Spider Web Yellow Garden Zipper Spider Picture

Argiope aurantia, yellow garden spider, black and yellow garden spider, golden garden spider, writing spider, corn spider, McKinley spider, St. Andrew`s cross spider. Walton County, Georgia, USA.

Spider Web Picture

Spider Web

Scolding, Scurffy Vireo...

7/27/2017

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message

White-eyed Vireo Picture

Thursday,8:05 AM – While taking a walk up to the duckweed bog behind the animal shelter to check in on a family of Green Herons, I was repeatedly scolded by a scruffed up little yellow bird.

Each time a neared a group of small pines, this White Eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus) would alight nearby, flitting around and emit a buzz-like chirping, obviously directed at me. I gather her nest was nearby and she simply didn't approve of my presence!

The White-eyed Vireo is a small and secretive bird of shrubby areas of the eastern and southern United States. It is more noticeable for its explosive song than its looks.

Walton County, Georgia
Sunny, high 91°; heat index 98°
Sunrise 6:31 AM; Sunset 8:47 PM
Day length: 13 hours, 56 minutes

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Tiger

7/26/2017

If you've adopted or rescued and want a photo, just email and I'll send it for free. But if you need stock pet photos, please don't steal from this site. Support my animal shelter work by purchasing at www.dreamstime.com. 100% of funds support waltonpets adoption photography.

Wednesday, 9:27 AM - Busy, busy summer! With longer days, kids out of school, loud afternoon thunderstorms and many other factors, the impounds just go off the charts from June through October. It is all I can do to keep up with simple “kennel shots” and basic vaccines. Glamour photos and thorough evaluations are usually out of the question. And keeping up with the photo blog just ain’t gonna happen!

But I’m usually one for making it happen, and not for making excuses. Coming in early each morning, I’ve managed some quick photo sessions with a few dogs each morning. One such session was with a neatly patchworked black and white pup named "Tiger".

When Tiger was brought in to the shelter on July 25, the story kept changing from found stray this morning, to a found a few days ago, to crying alligator tears while they handed over the leash.

Tiger was a bit cautious and hand shy at first. I can’t blame him, being housed into a very loud kennel. Outside of the exam room he was much more relaxed and quickly warmed up to me; gently wagging his tail and nuzzling between my legs as I bent down and softly called to him. There was still a bit of that cautious jumpiness as I went to stroke his head. My guess is that he didn’t always have the best treatment in his previous home.

The white dogs always photograph well, contrasting with the warm tones of the background. As he relaxed, his pretty pink tongue came out and helped “soften” his look in the photos.

"Tiger" was photographed on July 26, 2017 for Walton County Animal Control and placed for adoption/rescue on www.waltonpets.net. He was adopted on July 31, 2017!

williamwisephoto is saving to replace and upgrade the aging shelter camera. Any donation is a huge help!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Pyrenees

7/26/2017

Need stock pet photos? Support my animal shelter work by purchasing at www.dreamstime.com. 100% of funds support waltonpets adoption photography.

Wednesday, 8:44 AM – A dog like “Bowser” is bound to cause a stir on the web; the Pyrenees always do. It seems they are a favorite of adopters and rescue and always generate large numbers of phone calls, emails, applications and visitors. But this particular pup caused a stir I didn’t expect.

Shortly after posting his gorgeous photos, a local family rushed to the shelter hoping this boy was their beloved “Maximus” who had been missing since October. The resemblance was uncanny! Even down to two offset front incisors on the lower jaw. But just before their arrival, another gentleman had called and laid claim to owning this handsome Pyrenees.

It came down to a microchip... not the presence of a chip, but the absence of one! Maximus had a chip and this dog did not. The family even went as far as having the Pyrenees x-rayed at a local vet to determine if there was a malfunctioning chip present in the dog. There was not. Meanwhile, the other man had photographs of the dog pre-dating the time the family lost their Pyrenees.

I felt so bad for this mom and kids who were so desperately missing their Maximus. I too wanted it to be him. But given the pick up location, the missing microchip, and the way the dog responded to the other gentleman, there was no disputing it was his dog, “Pups”.

And as expected, in the few days he was at the shelter, several adoption applications and rescues inquiries were received. The Pyrenees are popular pups!

williamwisephoto is saving to upgrade the aging shelter camera. Every little donation helps!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Mr. Toes Polydactyl Kiten

7/26/2017

Wednesday, 1:53 PM - “Mr. Toes” was a polydactyl kitten with lots of extra toes on his front paws! He was brought in stray by a citizen on July 24, 2017. He was a super-social kitty and loved the soft blanket covering the photography studio table.

Mr. Toes was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control Shelter on July 26, 2017 and placed for adoption or rescue on the shelter’s website www.waltonpets.net. He was rescued Altered Feral State on July 31, 2017. His rescue was sponsored by pledged donations from Catherine & and Jim, and Melody and the gang.

williamwisephoto is saving to replace and upgrade the aging shelter camera. Any donation is a huge help!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Brook

7/26/2017

Wednesday, 2:01 PM. Brook was a pretty tuxedo cat brought into the shelter on July 19, 2017 by one of the animal control officers. She was trapped by a citizen who didn’t want her frequenting their yard anymore.

Brook went into the “kitty studio” on July 26 for a glamour session. I normally spend the mornings doing the outdoor dog photos. But once the sun comes up and the outdoor sessions are cut off, I go into the indoor shelter setup for cat photography.

Although fat, sassy and well-cared for, no owner came forward to claim her. Because she was such a sweetie, she was afforded a longer hold time until she was rescued on August 2, 2017 by Pound Puppies N Kittens Rescue. Her rescue was sponsored by donations from Catherine and Jim Stuff and by Melody and the Gang in Florida.

Help rehome shelter animals by supporting the photography efforts on waltonpets.net.

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Maddex

7/25/2017

Tuesday, 9:00 AM - Maddex was a gray-muzzled senior Labrador Retriever dog that came into the shelter as a stray on July 24, 2017. His dirty collar and rough coat meant he spent most of his life outdoors. Even though a bit cloudy from mild cataracts, his eyes had a knowing, deep expression in his close up shots.

Sadly, not every outcome in an open-intake shelter is tears of joy. There are times that tears of sadness are shed on behalf of these precious dogs and cats. Maddex turned out to be highly dog aggressive; attacking other dogs on a few interaction attempts at the shelter. Because most rescues house multiple dogs, and potential adopters don’t want the liability, I’ve found dog-aggression the most difficult hurdle to overcome.

Maddox was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter on July 25, 2017 and put on the shelter’s website, www.waltonpets.net where he awaited a rescue or adopter that never came.

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Jake

7/25/2017

Jake's photo before and after editing...

Jake's initial "kennel photo" didn't produce much adoption interest...

Tuesday 9:09 AM “Jake” was a medium-sized Black Labrador mixed breed dog that was picked up by one of the animal control officers late on a Friday afternoon on July 21, 2017. Being so well groomed and cared for, I was a bit shocked when no owner came forward for him over the weekend. So having a moment, Jake went out for a quick photoshoot the following Tuesday morning.

I’ve been implementing some new Photoshop skills with the black dogs. Frequently, their black coats get a blue hue or other vibrant color casts. I’ve learning a few techniques for removing these color casts, but sometimes the result is a somewhat flat looking coat. To bring back the texture, I’ve been using dodging and burning. This is a process of selectively darkening and lightening specific areas using a brush. This has turned editing into somewhat of an art, like retouching a painting. I like the bold pop they get in their eyes when done (email me and I'll send you a tutorial link).

I don’t think it is any coincidence that Jake was adopted the very next day after his glamour photos were posted. His kennel photo had sat an entire weekend without bringing any interest. But the extra time taken to produce quality photos immediately got him adopted. It is well worth the extra effort to get quality shots and worth the extra time to edit the shots.

“Jake” was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter on July 25, 2017 and put on the shelter’s website www.waltonpets.net. He was adopted the next day. If you believe in what we are doing and want to help, williamwisephoto is saving up to upgrade and replace the aging shelter camera.

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Stock Photos & Images

All content is ©williamwisephoto.com. Please don't steal images. My images are available at dreamstime.com. Stock sales go into the shelter photography program.

In December 1993 I came to know the Designer and Creator of this wonderful planet and its creatures: Jesus Christ.

Donations help support the animal shelter adoption photography equipment and adoption website hosting and domain fees. Thanks for your support!