This is a dog-chases-ball story in four pictures and a few words. I was at Chapoquoit beach yesterday to photograph the surfers when these two nice women showed up with their cute little dog, Wolfie.
I got interested when they started throwing a tennis ball for Wolfie to chase, mostly because the tennis ball was almost as big as Wolfie's head. I asked them if they would throw the tennis ball toward me so I could photograph Wolfie running for it and they happily agreed. We did several "takes." Here is a short series that I liked:
Picture # 1 The ball is tossed.
Picture # 2 Wolfie in a confident and determined pursuit.
Picture# 3 Wolfie dives for the ball and appears to trip on his sweater vest.
Not to worry. Wolfie was unharmed and no less enthusiastic about chasing the ball. We did a few more shots and he seemed delighted to be getting the attention.
In fairness, it looks like Wolfie has a problem with his right eye and that disability might account for his apparent clumsiness.
I like the photographs of the surfers wiping out as much, or more, than their spectacular jumps. After my experience with Wolfie I'll be on the lookout for more dog face-plants on the beach.
And this series of photographs highlights a lesson from the beach: We cannot soar without first surviving and learning from our failures. Wiping out makes us better.
Monte