Cass likes to describe Scout as her “heart dog.” I get it - while during a lifetime you can have several dogs, there is one that stands out as THE dog who captured your heart and held on to it, even after they may be gone from your life. I love all of my dogs . . . but my Samson will fore4ver be my heart dog (rest in peace, buddy).

I am sure you have yours but let’s talk about Scout. Scout is a gorgeous blond Golden Retriever and whoever first said “blonds have more fun” was right about Scout. When Cass came in for her session consultation, one of the ideas I pitched was doing a “dock dog” portrait since Scout is, after all, a retriever - and retrievers are water dogs.

Now, mind you, this was a studio session. And? With some editing, there was no problem with creating a lovely dock setting using a dock that I had made for the studio (true story, I found a fellow on Facebook amrketplace who made goat milking stands and sent him the specifications for this dock). If I had ready access to a dock and if I could count on Mother Nature to be kind and provide me with good conditions, that would be great . . . but, you know, it doesn’t always work that way, does it?

BNut that is why I love working in my studio - it is where the magic happens . . .

“Uh, Steph? The dog’s tail . . . ?”

Is purple, yes? Cass uses a safe non-toxic dye to take Scout’s gorgeous fan and make Scout a standout. Why purple? Why not? Sometimes it is purple, sometimes it is orange . . . in any case, Scout is a fashion influencer!