Happy New Year

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)

When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself.

He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.

His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever — in case I need him. And I expect I will — as I always have. He is just my dog.

GENE HILL

Happy New Year! We hope that if you haven’t already found the amazing gift in the unyielding love of a dog, that you experience it this year. My life is greatly enriched because of  all the dogs I get to meet and I’m grateful to all of you who invite me into your lives. We had a nice holiday with family and hope that you did as well!

I wanted to share this photo. It’s not perfect, but it’s one that makes me laugh every time I see it! Benny looks so obviously annoyed with us, but I love it because it shows the playful side of the relationship Brian and I have with him. May 2011 be the best year yet!

Adrian Hitt is a nationally recognized, award-winning dog photographer who creates modern, playful works of art. Her interest in dog photography is founded in her desire to celebrate and encourage the deep bond that develops between human and animal, parent and dog. In her free time, she photographs dogs awaiting adoption at local rescues and shelters. Her proudest moment? Spending everyday with the inspiration behind her career – Benny a charming -and perfect- lab mix rescue. Adrian lives in Nashville, Tennessee and travels nationwide to photograph America’s beloved pets.