It's been a wild few weeks as I romped around Long Island looking for German Shepherd dogs (GSDs) to photograph for a magazine assignment. One of the best things about jobs like this, after meeting such great new people and getting to know them, is getting to know their dogs. Learning about the breed I'm photographing is wholly fascinating to me, as there are so many facets to them that the 'average Joe' - that'd be me - is usually unaware of.

This adorable puppy is from the kennels of Deb-Mar's German Shepherds in Deer Park. Diane Piagentini was a marvelous host, and let me tumble around with the pups and meet her stud for some handsome portraits. You can visit Deb-Mar's website by clicking HERE. Diane also breeds some awfully gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, too.

I also spent an evening with Harry Lozada, shown at left in a Search/Rescue role, who works as a general dog trainer as well as develops K-9s. Bob Conklin, who teaches his methods to trainers such as Harry as well as runs a K-9 academy, was also present and a giant help by bringing some gorgeous pups and working dogs.

I learned a lot about bloodlines on this shoot, discovering that a certain Czech kennel produces German Shepherds very well suited for this kind of work. Their lineage goes back to a program that began for border patrol, and the dogs are very well attuned - from a genetic level - to their jobs.

Harry took one for the team - and for the photo shoot - as Bob guided and oversaw the Kodak Moment at left. That's a protective suit Harry's wearing, which I'm pretty sure was kinda stuffy in the late July heat (thanks, Harry!). It's something to watch, I can assure you, from the standpoint of an onlooker. Harry, I suspect emulating what a perpetrator would react like when the dog takes hold, had to resist, holler and yell and flail about during the process. A few young ladies in the park at the time sure got a heck of a show...

Take a look at Harry's website to learn more about his work at USA K9 in Massapequa park by clicking HERE, and explore Bob's Hudson Valley K9 Academy by clicking HERE. Thanks again, guys!

Lastly, I'll leave you with a photograph we made over at the shop of Pets of New Hyde Park. This is a fennec fox, a desert-dwelling, cuddly fellow about the size of a large cat. Those ears are to help it dissipate heat in its rather stifling environment, so it must have been just listening in the air-conditioned pet shop. We made scores of photos that night of a variety of the store's furry offerings, more to come...