Doggie Photo Shoot

This is the first year we (aka I) will be sending out Christmas cards.  I have never done this before because we were not married and now that we are I am ready to participate in the joys of sending out holiday cards to many family and friends to get lost amongst the rest of the holiday cards they have received.  It sounds interesting because it's almost like what's the point of sending out holiday cards in December when you are one card in 100 cards that your family and friends receive?  I am more of a non-traditionalist at heart and would normally send out cards at a different time of year, like ground hogs day or St. Patty's day.  With that said, I decided to jump on the band wagon this year because I can, and I am, so when you get our card you can tell me that it was a great card and it really stood out in the masses of cards you have received.

In the spirit of card giving I want our whole family involved and that means Madison, Izzy and of course Captain.  I also thought it would be fun to get Santa hats from PetSmart for the girls to wear while I took their photo.  Andy was not on board with this idea as he was being very negative about it.  He was saying that it would be impossible with our dogs because (A) they are too hyper, (B) they do not listen and (C) they barely sit now for two seconds as it is.  Disregarding Andy's negativity (or realistic thinking, whichever way you want to put it) I went to PetSmart to get the hats and an arsenal of backup.  My arsenal included plenty of treats that they will sit for and the treat of all treats; the mega treat of them all; the treat that they will do anything for: a chicken coated thingy ma-bob!  While I did all of this I decided not to dress up Captain and just take a photo of him without holiday garb on.  I made this decision because I was being realistic on getting the cat to take a photo.  I was also challenged enough by trying to get the dogs to sit still that I just didn't want to struggle with the cat as well.

On Saturday I was all ready for the photo shoot and it was nice that Andy helped me, despite his negativity.  Izzy sat perfectly well, and I am not just saying that because she is so sweet, but she actually did sit nicely.  We were not surprised that Izzy sat there nicely because she is a treat whore and will do just about anything if you hold a treat in front of her face.  Madison on the other hand is smarter than that and you have to be more tricky about getting her to do things.  A simple treat won't suffice for Madison as she sees right through you.  We attempted on Saturday and then again on Sunday...but so far, no photo.  As of right now I have not captured the photo for the card...yet...and I am not giving up either!  Here are the outtakes from the photo shoot though!  Kind of funny if I might say so myself.

Somebody left the back door open and they both took off as fast as they could.

With the door shut we brought them both back in the house.  Notice Madison's snarl and Izzy already sitting nicely...just not facing me though.

Oops!

Madison was just not interested!

No Madison, but Izzy is sitting pretty for the treat she is staring at.

Nope, this won't work either.

Izzy is losing her hat.

Nope, not going to work.

No hats mom!

Hats are now back on, but no photo yet.

So close!  I could Photoshop my arm out of this picture, but Izzy had to close her eyes.  Who has ever heard of a dog closing their eyes in a photo? 

Well, I am not giving up yet.  Keep an eye out for our holiday card (in December) to find out if the dogs made the card, if they wearing their hats or did we give up on the hat idea?