Photographer's Comment: It's no secret I'm a huge animal lover, This guy has been with me for 11 and a half years now, one of the best dogs and friends I've ever had. I value everday I have left with him! His name is Smokey and most of you have seen him before. :) Couldn't resist throwing him in for the kindness topic.

Tags: pets dogs portrait kindness

Viewer Comments:

By smokeydawg (2008-05-09 01:53:57 ): Thanks Sharon. Wow, 18! That reinforces my hope for a few more good years!!! He's still pretty healthy so keeping my fingers crossed. Carl

By wilbs999 (2008-05-09 01:39:34 ): This is beautiful. We have one that is 18 or something. Stef brought her home when she was about 3 or 4 years old, when Stef was a freshman in college. She graduated from college in 1996 (I think). This is a great shot. Beautifully done. The action in the hand shows the love, and Smokey is enjoying the heck out of it.

By smokeydawg (2008-05-08 01:21:44 ): Thanks Steph, I always appreciate your comments. he he, I think we both are! Carl

By GuitarGodsWife (2008-05-08 00:28:11 ): Great shot. I'm not sure who's being comforted, the dog or the human. ;-) Nice catch on Smokey's eye. Very expressive.

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 13:05:21 ): Thanks Dorothy, I am pretty attached to this guy, glad it showed! It took several tries but think it was worth the effort. Thanks for taking the time to comment! Carl

By whitewavesPTP (2008-05-07 12:40:21 ): I just want to keep looking at this photo, there is so much love shown.

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:26:24 ): Thank you Bill! I've been trying to get this shot on and off for a while now, this time still took several tries, camera in one hand, the other petting him, tongue hanging out the side of my mouth, LoL Thanks again, Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:23:34 ): Thanks Jimmy! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:21:56 ): Thank you Jan! This one took a few takes. Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:21:18 ): Thaks Jim, it took several shots to get this one the way I wanted. Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:20:28 ): Thanks Carlos! Carl

By karmal (2008-05-07 09:08:06 ): And it is a good throw, Carl. The warm feel of kindness is present through the warm colors, intimate close-up and Smokey's expression. Nice job in putting all this together. Carlos

By jimdstearns (2008-05-07 08:57:29 ): Very nice hit Carl, love the composition.

By Isachsen (2008-05-07 07:52:14 ): Lovely picture Carl. The blurred motion of the hand also increase that feeling of kindness in this picture.

By EnterVortex (2008-05-07 02:54:37 ): Wow Carl, it looks as Smokey is positioning himself so you can rub the back of his neck and make a good photo. Quite the photogenic Golden. I can only imagine the effort it took to get your hand movement right. I have tried something similar with terrible results. The detail in Smokey's hair is perfect for giving us a flavor for what it feels like when you pet his thick fur. Great placement of his eye also. Aaarrgghh!! Gonna stop now, I am getting too jealous. It's funny, but our two dogs just came into the room looking for a late night snack. Gonna pet them now.

By Flickrpictures (2008-05-07 00:52:53 ): I like the blur of the hand moving across the pet. The action realy adds to the photo. Beautiful dog too!

By smokeydawg (2008-05-06 22:37:37 ): Thanks CJ, this took several tries, but liked the way this one turned out. And yup, he's where I got the screen name. Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-06 22:36:37 ): Thanks Linda, your feedback is always appreciated! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-06 22:36:06 ): Thanks Joan, and congrats on last weeks image! It took me several tries to get the hand blur the way I wanted. Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-06 22:35:03 ): Thanks Paget! Pet do add a lot to our lives. Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-06 22:34:15 ): Thanks Steve! I know what you mean about cant help ourselves when it comes to our pets! So true! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-06 22:32:43 ): Thanks Gretchin. Goldens are great dogs, such great personalities to them. We are pretty close! Carl

By Darguza (2008-05-06 18:26:54 ): Very classic look and feel. Nice job. I may post a picture of my dogs as well. We can't help outselves when it comes to our pets. Steve...

By littlepeanut (2008-05-06 18:25:39 ): He looks like a great friend. Huge animal lover here too. They add so much to our lives. Thanks for sharing. :)

By CamGram (2008-05-06 17:33:39 ): Carl, very touching photo. You can feel the love and contentment between you and Smokey. I like the way you captured your hand moving but smokey is lying still.

By LindaJames (2008-05-06 17:30:46 ): A beautiful photo, besides kindness it says love, gentleness, friendship....

By CJGroth (2008-05-06 15:45:00 ): Awwww, I love this, Carl. And your screen name is his name! I love how he is leaning into your hand for your caress. Beautiful!

By Auryn (2008-05-06 15:04:06 ): I think Smokey is adorable and love Golden Retrievers for their natural kindness and wisdom. They just seem to have old souls in them. It seems as though the two of you have a close bond and you can tell he is very relaxed and safe in your hand.

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