Pet and nature photography blog by William Wise

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Brody & Preston

4/26/2017

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Wednesday, 8:09 AM - These two “brothers” were surrendered to the shelter late on Tuesday afternoon along with a couple of other strays. There was no time to get all their photos, heartworm testing, vaccines, etc done before leaving for the day.

Knowing I would have a busy morning, I came in to work a bit early. The sun is climbing earlier and earlier each day. Since I like to shoot in the shade, I have to beat it. The sun spots start coming through the trees around 9:05 AM now.

I did some rapid-fire sessions with Brody and Jasper. With so many dogs to photo and post, I edited and posted only one shot of each, intending to get to the rest later in the day. Well, within an hour of posting single photos of Brody and Preston, both had a rescue commitment on the way! Preston even got a second rescue inquiry.

Perhaps I could have saved time and just done an in-the-kennel shot. But I was quite motivated for the morning photography sessions having thought about them all evening.

Brody and Preston were photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter on April 26, 2017 and rescued within a few hours by Country Livin’ Pet Rescue!

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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Onyx

4/24/2017

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Monday, 2:26 PM - I was finally able to turn my attention to a recently surrendered cat named Onyx. She was a calm cat that sat perfectly posed for her session. I probably should have used a white background, but wanted to give the grey muslin a chance.

Barbara from California, always a supporter of our shelter, went to the shelter photography wish list. She purchased the muslin backdrop and had it shipped directly to the shelter. Surprise! It is wonderful to have supporters that believe in what we do and partner with us!

Onyx was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter on April 24, 2017. She was rescued by Morgan County Humane Society on April 25, 2017! Her rescue was sponsored by a pledge from Donna.

williamwisephoto is saving for a new professional level camera for the shelter photography and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Trenton

4/21/2017

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Support my animal shelter work by downloading this photo at www.dreamstime.com.

Friday, 2:03 PM - This was the week for some very pretty, photogenic dogs!

“Trenton” showed up at a gentleman’s house in Social Circle on April 20, 2017 and spent the night on the back patio. When he was still there in the morning, and no owner could be found, the man called Walton County Animal Control to pick him up, not doubting that a gorgeous boy like this would get a million applications.

“Trenton” had that wonderful, Aussie personality: quite happy and energetic. Wanting to get his photos done before leaving for the weekend, I did his photo shoot in the hay barn to get some shade from the bright, overhead, afternoon sun.

Trenton was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control Shelter on April 21, 2017 and put on the shelter’s website, www.waltonpets.net. Trenton was a popular pup and got 7 adoption applications and 3 rescue inquiries! He was adopted by one lucky family on April 26, 2017!

williamwisephoto is saving for a new professional level camera for the shelter photography and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

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Photo-Bombing American Robin

4/21/2017

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William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is His work." Psalms 111:2

American Robin bird, Monroe, Georgia Picture

American Robin redbreast bird, Turdus migratorius, thrush. Backyard birding in Monroe, Walton County, GA, USA.

An American Robin hops by as I take outdoor photos of the animal shelter dogs needing adoption. It was either curious, or looking to photo-bomb our pet photo session!

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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Venus

4/20/2017

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Absolutely gorgeous! That’s all I can say. Gorgeous! I love the Huskies and Malamutes. (Years ago I had a wonderful, large Malamute girl named Tsuga. She was a bit of a troublemaker, but one of my favorite dogs I’ve ever had in my family.)

“Venus” was picked up stray by an animal control officer on April 19, 2017. She was dragging a cheap six-foot cable tie-out. But since Huskies are free spirits and really shouldn’t be on a tether (nor should any dog, really), she bent the metal clip and got away from home.

Although her stray-hold had not yet expired, I had to take her out for a photoshoot. I knew her white coat and striking blue eyes would contrast so well with the dark background of the pond. Intake had also slowed a bit in the shelter, so I had a little extra time to process several photos. It was a cloudy, grayish morning, which made white balance selection a little challenging. But in the end, she looked absolutely stunning . It's hard to mess up a photo of such a gorgeous dog!

Venus was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control Shelter on April 20, 2017 and posted on www.waltonpets.net. Venus was adopted on April 24, 2017!

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new camera and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Bradford

4/18/2017

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Being about 9 or 10 months old, “Bradford” was one of those goofy young pups that just lifted your spirits and made you want to play!

He was picked up stray in an area of Monroe where a lot of uncared for dogs run loose, most tending to be pit bull mixes. But Bradford had a different look, more like a Boxer or American Bulldog; and quite the funny boy.

It always gives me a chuckle to see a forty pound boy dog squat to pee. Teenagers!

It seemed like it took quite a bit of time for Bradford to finally get rescued. The first adoption applicant was a no-show. The second applicant had a dog that didn't quite like Bradford's energy level. (But it was tough for a young pup to be cooped up and then expected to be calm and obedient.) But Morgan Humane came through for him, with the urging of one of our shelter's sponsors, Eileen. Thanks all!

“Bradford” was photographed for Walton County Animal Control Shelter on April 18, 2017 and put on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. Bradford was rescued on April 25, 2017 by Morgan Humane Society. His rescue was sponsored by generous donations from Alice, Eileen, Barbara, and D.!

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new camera and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Hope

4/18/2017

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Tuesday, 8:13 AM

But I will hope continually...
- Psalm 71:14

“Hope” was a stray pitbull that entered Walton County Animal Control on April 11, 2017. It was very strange, but the 911 dispatcher said she was sitting on a picnic table in Matthews Park; perhaps in hope that someone would bring her in or even give her a bowl of food, for she was so skinny.

We all need a little hope. The dogs that enter the shelter don’t even realize the situation they are in. It’s a cruel game of Russian Roulette they have entered, and not all will make it out. Will their owner come forward? Will they get noticed? Will they have a happy ending?

But each dog that comes into our shelter has some hope. There are some wonderful people out there following the postings, and in hope for a good outcome, are willing pledge their hard earned money toward the rescue of each one. Nobody has money to spare, but our shelter sponsors are always so willing to give. They email their pledge, then watch and wait in hope. I am so thankful for all those that post their pledges to help our pups.

Hope was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control Shelter on April 18, 2017 and put on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. Hope was rescued on April 21, 2017 and she was sponsored by generous donations from Lane, Alice, D., Heidi and Barbara!

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new camera and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Chance

4/18/2017

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Chance's "glamour photo" taken when things calmed enough to allow time for a photo shoot.

Chance's first photo in the shelter. Decent enough, but certainly not eye-catching.

Tuesday, 8:35 AM - “Chance” was a happy Lab/bulldog mixed breed that was picked up stray by an animal control officer on April 11, 2017. He was found on some large, rural acreage on the back roads of Gratis. Once back at the shelter he tested heartworm negative, was given a round of vaccines and flea medicine, and proved to be a playful, social boy.

It never ceases to amaze me how some great light can totally transform a photograph. I took “Chance” out by the shelter pond early on Tuesday morning. The sun had just crested over the trees behind me, but was slightly softened by a thin layer of clouds. The warm morning rays brought out a shine to his handsome black coat and eyes.

Chance has the same pose and cute head tilt in his kennel shot, but what a vast improvement the outdoor lighting can make.

Too bad things get so hectic here in the shelter that I just can't get to all the "glamour shots" quick enough. Chance's photo session had to wait nearly a week before I had a spare moment. I'd love to leave behind the headaches of overseeing the animal control operations and running a shelter to solely concentrate on photography and rescue coordination.

Chance was photographed for Walton County Animal Control shelter on April 18, 2017 and placed on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. Chance was rescued on April 21, 2017 and he was sponsored by generous donations from Lane, Alice, D., Heidi and Barbara!

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new camera and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Magnolia

4/17/2017

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Monday, 4:21 PM - Whippet? Fiest? Rhodesian?

“Magnolia” was one of those puzzling dogs for breed identification. Every time I looked at her adoption posts, I edited her breed!

She was a petite dog with a tapered waist and snout, like a sighthound or Whippet. She had a shiny red coat with a bit of a ridge, but way too small for a Rhodesian. Then she had these cute little ears, like a Shar pei, but no prickly fur or muzzle.

Well, no matter the breed, she was a sweet, petite girl. One of my shelter favorites at the time (but, man, do I have a lot of favorites!).

Magnolia was picked up stray by Walton County Animal Control and photographed on April 17, 2017. She was put up for adoption or rescue on the shelter’s website, www.waltonpets.net. She was rescued on April 19 by Alcovy Pet Rescue. Her rescue was sponsored by donations from Eileen and Alice. Thanks all!

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new camera and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

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Eastern Towhee at Easter Sunrise

4/16/2017

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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

Eastern Rufous Sided Towhee bird Picture

Eastern Rufous Sided Towhee bird, Pipilo erythrophthalmus. Athens, Georgia, USA.

Easter Sunday, 3:03 PM - We had a nice sunrise service in the woods this morning at 6:30 AM. During the short sermon, the birds awoke and provided a musical background. This was our church's first outdoor sunrise service.

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands... Acts 17:24

After morning service, I had a chance to relax in my backyard. It turned out to be a very nice, warm, day; perfect for catching a short nap. I like to record when I have a chance to relax. I am frequently complaining about the hectic pace of life and saying I “never” get to relax. Taking note reminds me that “always” might be too strong a word.
Athens, Georgia

Forecast: mostly sunny, high 82°. Calm wind. Clear tonight, low 58°
Sunrise 7:01 AM, Sunset 8:06 PM; 13 hours, 4 minutes
Moon: 77% waning gibbous

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Little dinosaurs...

4/15/2017

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Green Anole "chameleon" lizard. Anolis carolinensis. Anolis, or anoles, is a genus of iguanian lizards belonging to the family Dactyloidae. Athens, Georgia, USA. April 15, 2017

Saturday, 9:11 AM - It is a little bit chillier this morning, about 57° at 7:00 AM. I fired up the patio heater to break the chill during my morning cup of coffee. Last summer must have been a good egg laying season for my back patio Green Anoles. I have seen at least four different Anoles scurrying across the foliage like little dinosaurs. One frequents the fronds of the Yucca to soak in morning rays.

Clarke County, Georgia
Forecast: another sunny 84° day. Partly cloudy tonight.
Sunrise 7:02 AM, Sunset 8:05 PM;
Day length: 13 hours, 2 minutes

Green Carolina Anole lizard, Athens, Georgia USA Picture

Green Anole common chameleon lizard on Yucca leaf. An arboreal lizard found primarily in the southeastern United States. Photographed in Athens, GA, USA. April 22, 2017. Photo #201704047_DT91619469

Green Anole common chameleon lizard on Yucca leaf. An arboreal lizard found primarily in the southeastern United States. Photographed in Athens, GA, USA. April 29, 2017. (Photo #201704050)

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Day Lily bloom...

4/14/2017

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William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation.

A daylily is a flowering plant in the genus Hemerocallis. Athens, Georgia, USA. Botanical garden.

Friday, 7:56 AM - Nice to have a day off from work (Good Friday holiday). I hung a new, glass hummingbird feeder first thing this morning, though I have not seen any hummingbirds return since the quick flyby of a male on Sunday evening.

The first of the Day lilies has bloomed by the turtle pond. It looks like several more will burst forth on the rest this weekend.

I found an eggshell on the front sidewalk. Perhaps the Phoebe’s eggs have hatched and she carried the shell away from the nest so as not to alert predators. I’ve also spotted two Phoebe’s on the gutter above the nest; perhaps making food runs. The Bluebird pair in back are also making insect runs into their nest boxes.

Athens, Georgia

A daylily is a flowering plant in the genus Hemerocallis. Athens, Georgia, USA. Botanical garden.

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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Tucker

4/13/2017

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Poor Tucker really got bounced around. I originally photographed him on March 24, 2017 but he was claimed that day. Over the next couple of weeks, we watched as he got bounced around homes on Facebook. He ended up back here at the shelter in April 13, 2017.

I’m glad I had kept his glamour photos from his previous impound. I was able to get him right back up on the internet.

Tucker was adopted on April 17, 2017, and will hopefully have a long life in that home!

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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Buddy

4/11/2017

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It is so hard to get a balance on things here in the shelter. This morning I spent quite a bit of time with “Buddy” trying to get some good photos. He was such an energetic boy that standing in one spot for longer than even 1/125 of a second (my shutter speed) was not easy for him. His owner had called a few days earlier, but I wasn’t sure if they’d come for him or not, so I went ahead and spent the time getting his “glamour photos”. I finally had time to edit the photos in the afternoon. And sure enough, before I could even post them, his owner showed up.

It takes about 20 to 45 minutes to get glamour shots, heartworm test, vaccinate, and write up evaluations; plus another 10 to 15 to process the photos and post on the internet. It can seem like a “waste” to do all that and have the dog reclaimed by its owner. I’d rather wait until a dog has passed its mandatory hold time before spending all that time. But every hour delayed is an hour lost.

Sure, I’ve “wasted” time and used up a heartworm test and vaccine when a dog gets claimed. But if it isn’t claimed, then it gets a head start with an internet presence before its hold expires and the threat of euthanasia looms. It’s hard to balance things sometimes, but I’ll err on the side of saving a life.

"Buddy" was picked up by Animal Control on April 7, 2017. He was claimed by his owner on April 11, 2017

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new camera and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Joey

4/11/2017

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Pits, pits and more pits. Sometimes it seems like that is the only breed that comes into the shelter. But the reality is, many different breeds come through the doors. But the other breeds often get out quickly, leaving the pitbulls behind to linger on the adoption websites. Even though much of the breed’s ill reputation is unfounded hysteria, there just aren't as many adopters and fosters willing to take adult pitbulls into their homes as there are for the other breeds.

“Joey” was another pitbull to come through in a week that was quite tough for the pitties. Several great looking bullies were posted all through last week, had great photos, were heartworm tested and vaccinated, and had hundreds of dollars pledged by great people pulling for their rescue. Sadly, when “Joey” and a few more pitbulls came in, many of them from the previous week didn’t make it out. A sad reality in “pounds”.

“Joey” was a calm and quiet guy. He was microchipped, which is awesome, but his chip wasn’t registered; not awesome. He was neutered, which is a plus, but tested heartworm positive, which is a minus. Not sure if he’d be just another pitbull to come through the shelter; or if he’d be one of the lucky ones to get a second shot at life. But we photograph, test, post, send alerts and hope against hope...

“Joey” was photographed April 11, 2017 for Walton County Animal Control and placed on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. Joey was adopted on April 18, 2017!

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new professional level camera for the shelter photography and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

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