Gypsy & Chucky ~ Australian Dog Photography
"I had seen and loved your photos before, but the large prints you had on display at the Gala blew me away. I had to have one!
Lucky for me I adopted a new baby 3 weeks later, so it's now the perfect opportunity to photograph them together!"
I met Sheridan after she bid (and won) a Ragamuffin Pet Photography Fundraising Package at the Pet's Haven 2012 Gala. Sheridan has a heart of gold and is dedicated to the world of pet rescue - both Gypsy and Chucky are adopted furbabies and their Mum dedicates so much of her time & soul to Pets Haven (click here to "like" their facebook page). That's Gypsy on the left and Chucky on the right the the photo above.
I travelled to their farmhouse for their session - not shortage of gorgeous locations there! It was there that I met Gypsy and Chucky for the first time - and promptly fell head over heels! Chucky is a hilarious, quirky boy (and one of the most beautiful dogs I've ever met) but I hope he doesn't mind if I admit that Gypsy had me wrapped around her little furry finger from the get go. Something about her shy, quiet but intense loving reminded me about my own girl.
"Gypsy can be quite shy and timid,
but once she loves you she will be all over you!"
Chucky spent the first two years of his life going to work everyday with his owner, then one day he just disappeared. Two years later, he showed up at his owner's workplace - a miracle! When Chucky's previous owner took a 6 month contract for a job overseas, he put Chucky in a boarding kennel while he was gone. Another two years later, his owner had not returned for him and the kennel had still not been paid for his keep. They loved Chucky and looked after him as best they could, but they knew a kennel was not the best place for him and they were looking to move locations.
So Chucky came to Pet's Haven - and that's where he found the happy ever after to his sad story. Sheridan spent a weekend with Chucky at the shelter and at a Petstock adoption day. He used his funniest, cutest and most playful little habits to woo his new Mum (Sheridan didn't know she was his new Mum yet, but I'm positive that Chucky knew the instant he met her).
When she said goodbye to Chucky at the end of the weekend, Sheridan cried the whole 2 hour journey home. But Chucky was clearly meant to be part of the family, because without any prompting Arin (the family's friend, housemate and honorary fur-uncle) suggested that they organise a meet-up for Gypsy and Chucky to see if they liked eachother. One week later, Chucky had been adopted and he was finally home.
"His story touched me greatly, but it was his funny little personality
that captured my heart . . ."
Gypsy found Sheridan at the AAPS shelter in 2008. There were a couple of other dogs (two Rotties) vying for her attention, but there was something special about the 8 month old German Shepherd Cross who just wanted to sit on the bench beside Sheridan and be cuddled. Sheridan couldn't make a decision on her first visit to the shelter, so the shelter suggested that she placed one of the dogs on hold for the day. But Sheridan couldn't bear the thought of one of the dogs missing out on their chance for a happy home (didn't I tell you - heart of gold).
She went home and returned two days later with her Mum's dogs to make sure they got along with the new baby - still not sure which dog from the three was the right choice. Unfortunately when she returned she found that all three dogs were on hold - and discovered that she was devastated to hear that she had missed out on the Shepherd girl.
Just as Sheridan was preparing to leave her details with the shelter in case the hold fell through, their phone rang. The gentleman who had her on hold couldn't make it that day and was requesting an extension on the hold. Needless to say, the shelter didn't extend the hold and Gypsy's paperwork was signed then and there. She has been glued to her Mum's side ever since the day she came home.
"To be honest, I don't think she has any German Shepherd in her at all.
Her breed is a little bit of a mystery to me - and I like it that way. She is unique, one of a kind . . . the best kind!"
Chucky especially loves the chooks on his farm, so a portrait with his feathered friends was definitely a must! Recently his fur-uncle Arin spotted Chucky sitting still while they preened his chest!
Chucky showing off his little rabbit bum and Gypsy chuckling at her own silly joke.
That pet photography package to Pets Haven was the best donation I have ever made. I have to admit, that's purely for selfish reasons. It's not because of the fundraising, or because my business got a client - it's because thanks to Pet's Haven I met a beautiful, wonderful, kindhearted lady who I consider myself lucky to call a friend. Thank you so much Sheridan - it has been my honour to create artwork that celebrates the amazing bond you share with your Chucky Monster and Baby Girl.
xxx
