Meet Rupert, the happiest dog ever! Get this: his 2 favorite things (besides his parents, of course) are playing fetch with his ball and having his picture taken. Whether the picture-taker is a professional like me or it’s just a quick cell phone pic, he knows what’s happening and he loves it. So imagine his joy as he spent the afternoon playing with his ball AND having his photo taken… Rupert’s day was made. I’m pretty sure he was on cloud 9 during his entire photo session – and he was simply a dream to work with!

We started at San Dieguito County Park and we played fetch amongst the grass and the fall leaves. Rupert was just so funny; it was almost like he couldn’t believe we were there to just play fetch and take photos! He looked at me several times as if to say, “really? We’re just here to do THIS?!” And at one point when I wanted to take a family portrait, he decided it was better timing for a belly rub. He flipped himself over with a big ol’ smile on his face looking at his parents, having decided that plan was much better than my plan! He had everyone laughing!

After the park, we headed to Windansea Beach down in La Jolla. I’m so glad we did, so we could capture the distinctive rock formations on the beach that are very much a part of the La Jolla coastline. Rupert continued to have an amazing time splashing in the water, chasing his ball and shaking off every time he got wet. Each time he fetched, I asked his dad to throw the ball towards me so we could capture Rupert running towards the camera. And I have to say, I’m impressed – he did a surprisingly good job of running SO hard at me and yet swerving at the very last moment without touching me! There were several times where I thought oh this is it. we’re going to collide. and it’s gonna hurt… but he never did! He avoided me with the deftness of a cheetah, swinging his tail and barely missing me every time (despite the fact that my life flashed before my eyes at least once). His athleticism was off the charts – he may be 6 years old, but he doesn’t act a day over 1!

Did I mention how handsome he is?!

Occasionally he took a break from running around like a maniac…

Beach = fetch, for Rupert. If he’s not chasing the ball, is there even a point to being there?!

I had an amazing time laughing with Rupert and his parents! I’m looking forward to showing them his photos soon!

Tags: beach, dog photography, dogs, labrador, park, pet photography, San Diego Dog Photographer, San Diego pet photography