Never a Dull Moment

One of the really cool things about volunteering for the Salt Lake County animal shelter is that parts of Salt Lake County are still zoned for agriculture, and I was told when I went through my volunteer training that it was not unusual to get animals that could only live in agriculturally zoned areas. "Cool," I thought, when I looked at the animal pens on my tour.  But I didn't give much thought to it.

Until today, when the volunteer coordinator asked me if I would be willing to photograph a goat.  I know there are photographers who have sub-specialized into only photographing dogs, or reptiles, or whatever.  Me?  If it's got four legs (or slithers; I haven't photographed any snakes yet, but there's a first time for everything...), I'm game.  So when she asked me about the goat, my thought was, "Hell yeah!"  C'mon.  How cool could it be to have a goat in your portfolio?  Okay, maybe it's just me.  But I thought it sounded pretty cool.

Before I could get to the goat, however, I was told that the staff had something I had to see.  Heheh.   Of course my curiosity was piqued.

A young pot-bellied pig (apparently she's about 4 months old), all ready to go on a walk!  I'm really glad I got the chance to meet her.

Before I could get to the goat, there were 12 cats and 5 dogs to photograph.  Needless to say, I haven't made it through all the photos yet, but here is a "token" cat - this guy didn't take a bad picture - very handsome and wouldn't stop looking at the camera!

After the cats, there were several dogs.  My first dog was an Alaskan Klee; I had never heard of this breed before (which means I need to spend more time watching the Westminster Dog Show), but she really looks like a mix between a Husky and a coyote.  She was young and bouncy, and absolutely gorgeous.

Snacks?  Do you have snacks?

Lemme show you my Husky-like smile!

Then there was this girl, a young, very sweet black Labragal (that would be a female Labrador Retriever for those of you who aren't fluent in dog slang).

She's going to get adopted really quickly - she's got the perfect lab personality; goofy but sweet and smart and just loving life.

After the dogs, it was time for the goat.  Needless to say, I didn't actually join him in his pen (I'm not sure my camera - or health - insurance coverage includes breakage due to goat interference).  I don't know if the white and red rope around his neck has biblical implications, or if it was just handy.
Regardless, I found the goat experience great fun.

Seriously.  How many pet photographers have a goat in their portfolios?

Yep, volunteering for a county organization seriously rocks, and today was SO MUCH FUN!  Pigs, goats, dogs, cats - just a normal passenger manifest for Olympic Airways, right, Dad?  All that was missing was the chickens in a basket!

It was a great day!