Yesterday as I slogged through rush-hour traffic towards my shoot in Issaquah, I thought back on my early childhood memories there… swimming at the Issaquah pool and Lake Sammamish,  sticky-fingered Salmon Days wanderings, auditioning and performing at the old old “Village Theatre”, visits to Andy Wangs, La Costa, Boehms and of course Gullivers (the burger joint where I happened to find myself face to face with Ken Griffey Jr, Jay Buhner, Jeff Nelson and their families.)  All these visions came whirling back as I exited onto Front street, and rounded Sunset… streets I haven’t seen in nearly 15 years.  As you can imagine things have changed a bit, but even more surprising, is what hasn’t.

As I parked and walked across the grassy space ahead of me, I realized that “Memorial Park” (where I was supposed to meet my clients) is the same piece of grass to the right of the Library where I used to romp as a tike – only the Library is now a “Senior Center” and the park is much fancier than it used to be. I didn’t even realize where I was until I was passing the old-familiar brick walls.

Even better, when I met up with Jason and Julia I found out that we all went to the same middle school, and Julia and I went to the same Elementary school (go Clark Sharks!)- and we’re all just a year apart – bizarre!

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Ok, enough reminiscing and onto Bella!  Bella was very excited to watch me approach. Not sure if I smell of liver treats permanently these days, or if she is just that excited to meet every new stranger, but it was great to see her big, smiling maw straining towards me.  She was mid-hydration (we scored another 90-something degree day – whew!) and so of course her drippy cheeks and mouth parts dragged lines of wet drool all over my legs and hands as I greeted her. Now, this is where a non-pet photographer might get squeamish, but I was actually glad of the cooling effects her slobbery painting had – in all reality, it very refreshing!

Bella is alllll smiles. So much so, that during the whole 2.5 hour shoot, I got nearly the exact same expression: wide-mouth, panting glee.  That’s ok with me, it’s a good look for you Bella.

Bella’s mom and dad are engaged to be married and it was fun to get a few mushy-lovey-dovey shots for them… Bella seemed oblivious of our conversation and photographs that did not include her, she just stood wagging and panting pretty much the whole time.

I first met Bella and her family at the Yappy Howlidays party last December at the W Hotel. I took a portrait of the three of them and apparently it was well loved, because Julia booked her session this summer with a bit of urgency: Turns out Bella’s health is failing… she’s a bit limpy and will soon need surgery on one of her knees to save the other. Julia wanted to spend a day with Bella, photographing her in the sun, her favorite place to be.

We lucked out – we had sun a’plenty – we had to take a few “cool down” breaks in the shade (which may have also included some hot, melty cheese and chuck-it teases)

Ultimately, we headed over to the Pickering barn for a few last shots among the flora – nothin’ better than a big red barn for a summer portrait sitting! Oh, and did I mention the willow tree?  Yeah, there’s a willow *dreamy*

A big woof to J + J for letting me spend a couple hours enjoying Bella – she’s a fine, fine dog with a big ol’ head and a big ol’ heart.