Today Janice and Emma and I visited the Dog Chapel in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont. Sadly, our 10 year old black lab Ginger died shortly before Christmas and this visit was just what we needed to help with the grieving process. Despite the cold (how cold was it? So cold that the auto focus on my camera wouldn't work) our hearts were warmed by what we saw and experienced there. Inside the chapel, every square inch of wall space is covered with pictures and notes from people who have loved and lost dogs (and a few cats too). It is heart wrenching, but oh so good for the soul to see how many other people felt the same way about their pets as we did. And to take joy in the thought of all those dogs, Ginger among them, playing together in heaven!

A warm thank you to my new friend and most excellent photographer Carolyn Bates for encouraging me, no, insisting that I go there. Now I pay that kindness forward and encourage anyone who has bid farewell to man's best friend to visit this special place. Bring a photo, write a note, and pin them on the wall. Then go inside the Stephen Huneck Gallery and enjoy the wonderful artwork he created. Buy a print or a book and bring it home as a happy reminder of your dog.

Goodbye Ginger. We miss you so.

My best friend Chris visited us over New Year's and Sabre, his Golden Retriever, was kind enough to pose for this portrait. Our dog Ginger would never lie there so patiently, and besides, being a Black Lab, you wouldn't see much of her in this kind of lighting anyway.

Ginger and Emma pose for a portrait outdoors. Just five days ago there was a foot of snow on the ground!

Merlin came to our studio to have his portrait taken for a Christmas card. He brought along his parents Julie and Wayne to add some background interest.