Pet and nature photography blog by William Wise - WILLIAM WISE PHOTOGRAPHY

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Buddy

4/11/2017

It is so hard to get a balance on things here in the shelter. This morning I spent quite a bit of time with “Buddy” trying to get some good photos. He was such an energetic boy that standing in one spot for longer than even 1/125 of a second (my shutter speed) was not easy for him. His owner had called a few days earlier, but I wasn’t sure if they’d come for him or not, so I went ahead and spent the time getting his “glamour photos”. I finally had time to edit the photos in the afternoon. And sure enough, before I could even post them, his owner showed up.

It takes about 20 to 45 minutes to get glamour shots, heartworm test, vaccinate, and write up evaluations; plus another 10 to 15 to process the photos and post on the internet. It can seem like a “waste” to do all that and have the dog reclaimed by its owner. I’d rather wait until a dog has passed its mandatory hold time before spending all that time. But every hour delayed is an hour lost.

Sure, I’ve “wasted” time and used up a heartworm test and vaccine when a dog gets claimed. But if it isn’t claimed, then it gets a head start with an internet presence before its hold expires and the threat of euthanasia looms. It’s hard to balance things sometimes, but I’ll err on the side of saving a life.

"Buddy" was picked up by Animal Control on April 7, 2017. He was claimed by his owner on April 11, 2017

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new camera and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Joey

4/11/2017

Pits, pits and more pits. Sometimes it seems like that is the only breed that comes into the shelter. But the reality is, many different breeds come through the doors. But the other breeds often get out quickly, leaving the pitbulls behind to linger on the adoption websites. Even though much of the breed’s ill reputation is unfounded hysteria, there just aren't as many adopters and fosters willing to take adult pitbulls into their homes as there are for the other breeds.

“Joey” was another pitbull to come through in a week that was quite tough for the pitties. Several great looking bullies were posted all through last week, had great photos, were heartworm tested and vaccinated, and had hundreds of dollars pledged by great people pulling for their rescue. Sadly, when “Joey” and a few more pitbulls came in, many of them from the previous week didn’t make it out. A sad reality in “pounds”.

“Joey” was a calm and quiet guy. He was microchipped, which is awesome, but his chip wasn’t registered; not awesome. He was neutered, which is a plus, but tested heartworm positive, which is a minus. Not sure if he’d be just another pitbull to come through the shelter; or if he’d be one of the lucky ones to get a second shot at life. But we photograph, test, post, send alerts and hope against hope...

“Joey” was photographed April 11, 2017 for Walton County Animal Control and placed on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. Joey was adopted on April 18, 2017!

williamwisephoto is saving up for a new professional level camera for the shelter photography and every little bit of support helps. Thanks!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Hopper

4/11/2017

Australian Shepherd mixed breed dog "Hopper"

“Hopper” was a handsome, fluffy, Aussie boy that came in to the shelter as a stray. He was picked up by an Animal Control Officer on April 7, 2017. Having tested heartworm positive, it was his luck to be a breed that lots of people love.

He was calm and reserved for an Aussie mix, and was particularly camera shy! It makes a photo session tough when a dog looks away from the camera and won’t respond to any of my attention grabbing tricks like whistling, barking, panting, blowing a harmonica and other various high-pitched squeaky sounds.

“Hopper” was photographed for Walton County Animal Control on April 11, 2017 and placed on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. He was rescued by New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue the same day!!! His rescue was sponsored by donations from Debbie and D. Thanks all!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Bella

4/11/2017

“Bella” was surrendered by her owner on April 8, 2017 because they were moving. “Moving” is one of the most common reasons given for surrender. But last I checked, dogs were allowed in other cities and states throughout the country. In fact, there are plenty of resources on the internet that list pet-friendly apartments and rentals.

But whatever the reason, “Bella” was now in our care and needed a new home. Thank God her owner had her spayed and microchipped. That would help get her re-homed.

She was also friendly with other dogs. Animal aggression is one of the biggest black marks against a dog in a shelter. I’ve seen mangy dogs, heartworm positive dogs, emaciated dogs, dogs with broken limbs, etc all get homes, but the dog-aggressive dogs rarely make it out. “Bella” played nice with another dog in the shelter, which backed up the owner information card that marked she was good with other dogs.

“Bella” was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter on April 11, 2017 and placed on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. Bella was rescued on April 18 by Washington Wilkes DAWGS! She was sponsored with donations by Cindy, Lane and Alice.

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Ginny

4/11/2017

“Ginny” was a happy girl that was brought to the Walton County Animal Control shelter on April 10, 2017. She was a photogenic girl, cooperatively posing for the camera, and thereby making her photo session short. That's a good thing when there are so many to photograph.

She had a spay tattoo, but sadly, there was no tag or microchip to find her owner. If she had a simple tag on her collar, the person who found her could have brought her home instead of to the shelter.

There are now tag-making kiosks in many of the Walmart stores. I think they average about five bucks. Getting a tag would save so much… and not just in claim fees, which average about $50, but could possibly save another shelter dog’s life. How is that possible?

Well, for each dog that comes into the shelter, it takes up a kennel. When space becomes limited, some of the dogs that have been here longer without interest may be euthanized. So by putting a simple tag on your dog, it can go home to you instead of coming to the shelter. And that is one more kennel that remains open and possibly gives a pound puppy another day of life.

“Ginny” was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control Shelter on April 11. Her owner saw her on the internet and came to claim her that day!!!!

Phoebe nest...

4/9/2017

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message

Eastern Phoebe nest Picture

Eastern Phoebe in a moss lined nest; Clarke County, Georgia.

Sunday, 3:49 PM - Although it is the Barn Swallows that are busy about the posts on my neighbors’ front porches, it is an Eastern Phoebe that has once again attempted a nest on our front patio. Two years ago, the nest was destroyed before completion. Last year, the attempt appeared to be successful but was blown down by strong winds several weeks later, leaving unhatched eggs to perish under the overturned nest on the ground. This year’s nest seems of fine construction, neatly padded with fresh green moss, and has so far withstood one very windy day.

The Phoebe sits on her nest quite a bit. Perhaps the eggs are already there. She cocks her head as I come out the front door, and usually takes flight quite quickly. Last Saturday, while doing yardwork, I set up my ladder next to the juniper tree to get a higher angle photo into her nest. Each time I climbed the ladder, she would fly off, and all I got was a poor shot with flash. Today I used a longer lens to stay out of her flight zone. I managed a little more naturally lighted photo.

Athens, Georgia

Update: By the week of April 17, three hatchlings were sticking their heads up out of the nest. A little later, they were too big to fit in the nest together and sat a few days on the ledge. They finally fledged on April 28 and left the comforts of our front porch!

April 22, 2017, 8:44 AM.

April 27, 2017, 6:18 PM.

We are Walton County...

4/6/2017

Three exposure HDR photograph of the historic Walton County Courthouse in Monroe, Georgia. Thursday, April 6, 2017; 7:35 AM.

Thursday, 7:35 AM - After severe storms went through Walton County (literally and figuratively), a beautiful sun still rose this morning. I owe my thanks to our Creator who “maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” And I owe many thanks to the Walton County Gov’t family who took in this “yankee outsider” and gave me the opportunity to head up Animal Control.

Chairman Kevin Little and the other Commissioners have always supported animal control, and me personally, and have treated me more than fairly. I am privileged to work with such gentlemen on the BOC.

I am also thankful for all of the employees in every department who band together and make Walton such a great place to work. For my coworkers with me in the animal control trenches each day; for the 911 dispatchers who listen for our safety; the courts, judges and attorneys who fairly enforce our cases; the Deputies and Police that have our backs; the elections officials; the Fire and EMS workers who treat the victims of our dog bite cases; the Facilities employees who built and maintain our beautiful shelter; our Finance heroes who steward our needs and salaries; the HR staff that ensure our great benefits; the IT Dept. who make our adoption website possible; Recycling for the newspapers for cat cages; Parks and Rec; the Zoning folks that check on the excessive animal complaints; Public Works and Traffic engineering; Water and anyone else I may have missed. Thanks all!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Breeze

4/6/2017

Thursday, 8:27 AM - I know, I know, everybody says this: but if I could, I really would take this one home! “Breeze” was a fluffy, flowing, fun puff of fur! What a wonderful, happy, loving personality. Truly “man’s best friend.” She was turned in as a stray on April 5, 2017. One of several dogs that came in after severe storms went through Walton County and other areas of Georgia. My guess was that an owner would quickly be coming to look for her. But if not, somebody was going to be blessed by adopting this precious girl into their home!

“Breeze” was photographed for Walton County Animal Control on Thursday, April 6, 2017. She was placed on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. I was correct in my assumption: she was reunited with her owner before the end of the day!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Lily

4/6/2017

Thursday, 9:08 AM - It is only 6 days into the month of April; only 5 days open to the public, and an incredible twenty six dogs have come through the shelter doors. Our staff has been working non-stop, answering the phone, responding to calls, taking in animals, vaccinating, deworming, cleaning…

I have come in early each day this week to get in the photography. Sure, the “glamour photos” are an extra, un-required, duty, but they are so effective that it is worth the extra effort. Early morning is spent getting photos; late morning spent doing heartworm tests and evaluations; and afternoons editing, posting and emailing alerts. Many rescues and sponsors have stepped up to help us out, and a good many dogs have made it out the door alive.

“Lily” was one of the many strays and surrenders that came in this week. It was obvious she hadn’t lead the pampered life. Her rough coat was indicative of her heartworm positive status even before the test confirmed. Her “kennel shot” revealed her fair condition. But outdoors under a rising sun; with a spectacular lens purchased for williamwisephoto by Andrew and Barbara, “Lily” was absolutely stunning!

“Lily” was photographed for Walton County Animal Control Shelter on April 6, 2017 and placed on the shelter’s website, www.waltonpets.net. Lily was rescued on Friday, April 7 by Lucky Day Rescue! She was sponsored with generous donations from Courtney, Eileen and Lou.

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Bruno

4/6/2017

Thursday, 8:36 AM - “Bruno” was a happy pittie boy surrendered to Walton County Animal Control in a week with an insanely high dog intake. He was a handsome boy, and his owner did have him neutered and microchipped, which could help his chances. But pitbulls are so hard to get out of the shelter; brindle dogs are hard to get out of the shelter; and dog-aggressive dogs are hard to get out of the shelter. He is starting off with three strikes already against him. Nevertheless, we gave it a try, and hoped for a miracle.

"Bruno" was photographed for Walton County Animal Control shelter on April 6, 2017 and put on the shelters adoption website www.waltonpets.net. Unfortunately, "Bruno" didn't make it out of the shelter. After nearly a week, the shelter continued to fill, and there was no one willing to take on his issues. Although it is not a happy ending, this post remains as a memorial to "Bruno" and a tribute to the wonderful people who pledged hundreds of dollars to a rescue that would be his savior. We all tried...

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Dahlia

4/6/2017

Thurday, 9:15 AM – “Dahlia” was a plump little Jack Russell Terrier mix that was picked up by one of the animal control officers on April 5, 2017. Two days later, her owner came looking for her and she made it back home safe and sound!

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Tulip

4/6/2017

“Tulip” was one of a number of dogs that seemed to flood the shelter in the beginning of April. I was able to bang out several photo sessions and get “glamour photos” of all the dogs posted quickly in hopes of some positive outcomes. Tulip’s owner came and claimed her three days after her impound.

Walton County, Georgia

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Puc

4/6/2017

Thurday, 9:01 AM – “Puc” was a shy Wirehaired Pointer mix that was surrendered to the shelter on April 3, 2017. He was brought in along with his brother. They were of a litter of seven, five of which were given away as puppies.

Puc’s brother was rescued almost immediately, having a cute, gray beard. But being not as well socialized, Puc was a little bit tougher to get rescued.

Puc was photographed for Walton County Animal Control on April 6, 2017. He was adopted on April 7!

Ringnecks visit...

4/4/2017

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message

Ring-necked Duck Picture

Ring-necked ducks visit a small pond in Walton County, Georgia.

Tuesday, 3:45 PM - Two female Ring-necked ducks made a surprise appearance on the pond. They weren’t here yesterday, and were gone the following day. They kept their distance, so I had an opportunity to try out the 1.4x teleconverter with the Sigma 600mm lens. I found that autofocus was virtually unreliable with the teleconverter. I’m not sure if it was the lack of contrast from the bright sun on water, or some other issue.
Walton County, Georgia

Waltonpets Furtography Session: Cadbury

4/3/2017

Things have greatly improved in the last 8 years. But not every ending is happy. It can be so hard to get the pitbulls out of the shelter alive. “Cadbury” stayed in the shelter for two weeks but had no interest. The problem was the “three strikes” against him: his breed, his heartworms, and his dominance toward other dogs. Even with over $500 in pledged donations, no rescue was able to take him in before the shelter filled again.

I often hate breaking the news to the sponsors that a dog did not make it out alive. In particular was one of our generous sponsors, Cindy, who was really pulling for Cadbury’s rescue. She had pledged a good bit of money and had even personally contacted several rescues begging for his life.

In the end, all I can say is that everyone tried. The photos, the vaccines, the pledges, the cross-posting and networking... nobody failed to try. It just didn’t come together in the time needed to save his life. Perhaps one day our “advanced” society will truly advance and we’ll no longer play this game with animals’ lives.

Cadbury was picked up stray on March 30, 2017 and photographed for the Walton County Animal Control Shelter on April 3, 2017. Sadly, he was put to sleep on April 11 when the shelter filled with new impounds. He had several sponsors pulling for his rescue by pledging donations: Alice, Cindy, Eileen, Cheri, D., Anne, Erin, and Blan.

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Stock Photos & Images

All content is ©williamwisephoto.com. Please don't steal images. My images are available at dreamstime.com. Stock sales go into the shelter photography program.

In December 1993 I came to know the Designer and Creator of this wonderful planet and its creatures: Jesus Christ.

Donations help support the animal shelter adoption photography equipment and adoption website hosting and domain fees. Thanks for your support!