Sunday, July 31, 2011

A Crazy Little Thing Called Benny

Please indulge me.

I have a dozen or so photos taken within a ten or twenty minute period. They're not good pictures as far as clarity goes. They were all taken from a distance, when I was seated on my front doorstep focused on the kids across the street.

There are two pairs of sisters, who happen to be cousins and all live under the same roof. They are all thoroughly delightful children and Benny loves them. It didn't hurt that they were participating in one of his all time favourite activities - water play.

What caught my eye at first was the colourful scene - brightly-dressed kidlets, vivid toys and that beautiful effect of late-day sunshine. I snapped a few shots, focusing mostly on the children. After a short while I became very aware of Benny and the exuberance and sheer joy he exhibited with every jump in the air and wag of the tail.

I hope you enjoy these adorable little ones and that crazy little thing called Benny.


Kidlets
A coulorful scene just seconds before Benny realized that something fun was happening.




kidlets1
Benny is offered a drink.




kidlets2
Benny realizes the hose is about to come into play.

No further words are needed. Just enjoy that crazy canine and these beautiful girls.


kidlets3




Kidlets4




kidlets5




Kidlets6




Kidlets7




Kidlets8


We need a close-up of that one...


Crazy Bennny




Kidlets9




Kidlets10




Kidlets - last drops
Good to the last drop.

78 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

he is a maniac! i bet they had a blast with him!

Linda said...

What a great set of pics! I just love to see him jump!

carmilevy said...

I'll politely disagree with you: These pictures are brilliant reminders of how powerful photography can be at telling stories both big and small.

That you grabbed them at golden hour makes this series especially compelling.

carmilevy said...

I'll politely disagree with you: These pictures are brilliant reminders of how powerful photography can be at telling stories both big and small.

That you grabbed them at golden hour makes this series especially compelling.

ellen abbott said...

What fun!

Nancy said...

OMG how cute are those pictures? Priceless. He is just priceless.

Charissa Steyn said...

LOVED this photos!!! What fun!!! Benny has so much personality- dogs are the best!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful shots that brought a huge smile to my face! Thanks for sharing.

Laura~Pretty Pix said...

Wonderful, delightful, and totally fun!

Anyes said...

Hilary, You sure know how to take advantage of an opportunity when you see one. :-)

Sarah Knight said...

Heh : )

We don't have any small kids around here, but during the sweltering heat every now and then I look at my 3 bettas sitting on the kitchen table and wonder about the joys of living 24 hours a day in what is essentially a tiny pool.

Delightful post :D

ethelmaepotter! said...

I completely agree with Carmi...and I love to see pictures of Benny in his natural pose - THE JUMP.

Tabouleh said...

What an uplifting sequence of pictures... they put a big smile on my face... children, pets and water... what a lovely combination... spells out ultimate happiness!

Sueann said...

What a totally awesome set of pics. So wonderful exuberance!! Gotta love Benny...I know the kids sure do!
He is a riot!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Gary's third pottery blog said...

OH BENNY!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I knew I was going to love this post when I saw the title, but I didn't anticipate how beautifully photographed the series would be. I can't imagine how they could have been any better. That last shot of Benny shaking off the water is so crisp, and I know how fast the motion of the dog was. Excellent series.

Brian Miller said...

nice...love the golden sun on them...and looks like benny is having a blast...lol

Out on the prairie said...

That is really fun. Benny was a good addition to their fun. Like the jumping shots.

Country Girl said...

I agree. No words needed. I loved this story.

CiCi said...

These are truly fun to watch, like watching a slide sequence. I like the look on the little girl in pink when Benny gets to the water. What a nice group of children and no wonder Benny likes to play there. The last photo, good to the last drop, amazing.

Anonymous said...

HA HA HA.... Love that Benny. The girls are just so happy to have him there too. He's welcome in my yard anytime!

DI

Dianne said...

I mentioned to Frank on one of his posts how Benny can levitate!! and here is further proof

in the shot where the hose first gets turned on the little girl's tongue is sticking out and that just touches my heart as does the last shot of Benny's head turned for more water

priceless Hil

Ruth Hiebert said...

I think those girls had as much fun as Benny and probably more.

Moannie said...

What a wonderful series of pictures that totally capture the joy of children and water and one crazy dog. I can hear the screams of delight.

You are too good.

DJan said...

Who could resist Benny? He's filled with love and adventure and exuberance. And your pictures make him look like he rarely touches the ground! I smiled a lot over this one.

Hilary said...

OMG, fun times with kids and a dog. it doesn't get any better, does it???

solarity said...

That was a photo-op, all right! Marvelous!

Mary Anne in Kentucky

Anonymous said...

ohh i want him ~ what a crazy little cutie pie :)

Anvilcloud said...

Clarity looks good to me, as does the light.

messymimi said...

Beautiful children, hilarious dog, late afternoon fun. Thanks for the smile.

Bossy Betty said...

What a wonderful series--a view of life and the small things that make it special. The children will grow up and remember that crazy little dog from across the street!

Travis Erwin said...

Great shots. I've missed seeing the world through your lens. Must make time to visit you and Benny more often.

Daryl said...

What fun ... I was laughing and clapping ..

Anonymous said...

All hilarious, but that last one! Love the expression in the last one!

Shrinky said...

How I wish I lived in your neighbourhood! That Benny of yours is completely nuts (in the nicest way possible). I so hope you allow these babies parents a copy of what you shot..?

June said...

Just when I was thinking: That Benny! He's gotta be the star of the show!
I saw that he was standing politely while somebody else got some hose water.
:-)

Reena said...

Such a crazy puppy! He is totally in delight! What wonderful wonderful pictures of play!

Pierre BOYER said...

Lovely and funny pictures !
Great light and colors too...
Greetings from France,

Pierre
http://pierre-boyer.blogspot.com/

Melinda said...

Those photos are priceless, you managed to bring a smile to my face up to that very last image! I can feel the joy of Benny even across the miles. Thanks so much for brightening my day! :)

Grayquill said...

When Benny was little did he get dropped on his head? Just wondering. If he did the result is pretty entertaining.

yaya said...

Now this is funny! He's a cutie and I love the last shot where his head looks like it's about to spin off his body! The beauty and fun of the every day...you caught it!

Pauline said...

The 6th to the last photo is such a shot! The look on that little dog's face is pure rapture. The colors, the sunlight, the story told by body posture and facial expression - delightful!

Anonymous said...

He just doesn't stop for a second!!

VM Sehy Photography said...

These photos are precious. Benny must have a blast living across from the kids.

Barb said...

Hilary, Benny and the Gals have made my day! That little dog is so full of personality, and the children are so innocently and happily enjoying him and their water play. A fabulous series of shots!

Elizabeth Grimes said...

Those are wonderful shots HIlary! Makes me wish I was there. So happy and inspiring.

Unknown said...

Love seeing the light at play on their hair!

Unknown said...

I love it! Benny is a character. My Buddy loves kids and he's nuts about water so I can picture him right in the middle of all the fun.

Red said...

This dog's nuts. the kids caught on quickly that this could be fun.Great post. Thanks.

SandyCarlson said...

Benny is the ultimate master of ceremonies. I wish he were syndicated so he could touch lives around the world in a huge way. How he could improve our little globe!

MaggieGem said...

What a great series... looks like fun was had by all!

Lynne with an e said...

Your pictures provide as much delight as the water did for Benny!

Gail Dixon said...

The photos of him jumping up in the air are so funny! I found all the photos delightful. Those Jack Russells are so energetic and fun. We bathed our two chihuahuas yesterday and you'd have thought we were torturing them. :/

Shammickite said...

he he he he Hilarious!
I bet the little girls ended up just as wet as Benny!

Indrani said...

Great series of fun captures. The last one, especially, won me over. :)

Maggie May said...

Benny can't get enough of that water! He nearly drowned himself!

These pictures are delightful.
You are clever to capture children and an frisky animal at play. Amazing pictures!
Maggie X

Nuts in May
Maggie X

ssog

Wendy said...

I love late day photos when the sun shines golden orange. Your pics are lovely, they really are. You've captured children at play and to me that's wonderful! I love the last one and the one where that dear little girl in the blue dress is getting what looks like an unwanted shower!!

Summer fun! Dogs, kids, and water. Yippeeee!

Mental P Mama said...

Never a dull moment with him!! He must be the cleanest dog in the world;) Love the new look in here, too!

Russell said...

Okay. THAT was fun and good! Heh!

That is one GREAT dog! Water and dogs - they go so good together!

Benny sure had a good time!

Hilary said...

* Tex, he certainly is and they sure did. He tends to make the best out of every situation. Thanks for the visit. :)

* Thanks, Linda. I'm glad you enjoyed them. :)

* Thanks very kindly, Carmi. I'm pleased that you think so. It's good to see you drop by. :)

* Thanks for stopping by, Ellen. :)

* Nancy, I'm glad you enjoyed them. He's a lot of fun, for sure. Maybe next time I'll try for some video. ;)

* Thank you, Charissa. He's quite the character. Thanks for the visit. :)

* Thank you, Lady Fi. I'm pleased that you enjoyed them. :)

* Thanks kindly, Laura. Much appreciated. :)

* Thank you, Anyes. I'm glad you think so. :)

* Sarah, I suppose it's "betta" than enduring the sweltering heat. ;)

* Thank you, Ethel. Always a pleasure to see you drop by. :)

* Tabouleh, thank you so much. It's a recipe that seems to work. :)

* Thanks, Sue Ann. He's pretty popular around my neighbourhood. I'm glad you're enjoying him too. :)

* Nice to see you, Gary. :)

* Thanks so much, Linda. Benny was actually just drinking the very last of the drops poured out of the bowl in that last image, so it was a bit easier to capture than a good doggie shake but I very much appreciate your always kind words, my friend. :)

* Thank you, Brian. Benny always does have a blast. :)

* Thank you, Steve. Much appreciated. :)

* Thank you kindly, Kate. :)

* Thanks so much, TB. I'm thinking that next time might need a video accompaniment. Maybe I could hire you and your husband to perform the soundtrack. ;)

* Thanks, Di. I'm sure he'd love your company.. and Rowdy's. :)

* Thanks so much, Dianne. I'm thrilled that you've enjoyed these photos this much. You're right about levitating Benny. He simply believes that he can.. and so he does. Thanks always for stopping by, my friend. :)

* Ruth, I think we all had a blast.. Benny just a tad more than the rest of us. Thanks for the visit. :)

* Moannie, it sounds as if you were right here with us. I'm glad the photos did that for you. Thanks for letting me know. :)

* Thank you DJan but I believe you just described yourself... right up to and including your skydiving feet rarely touching the ground. ;)

Hilary said...

* Hilary, the combination is tough to beat. Thanks for stopping by. :)

* Thanks very much, Mary Anne. :)

* Christine, you might just have to stand in line. ;) Thanks for the visit. :)

* Thanks, AC. :)

* Thanks for joining me, Messymimi. :)

* Betty, I like the way you think. It pleases me to consider those kidlets thinking back about Benny, one day. Thanks for sharing that. :)

* Thank you, Travis. Good to see you. I hope you're getting a lot of good writing done. :)

* Daryl, no clapping.. he'll never stop jumping now! ;) Thanks muchly. :)

* Thanks very much, Roobo. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

* Thanks kindly, Shrinky. You'd be such a fun addition to our crazy neighbourhood. The kidlets' moms will probably take a look at the blog at some point and no doubt copies will be snatched at that time. :)

* June, if nothing else, Benny was taught good manners. ;) Thanks for stopping by. :)

* Thanks very much, MM. I'm so glad you enjoyed the post. :)

* Merci beaucoup, Pierre. Much appreciated. :)

* Such a lovely thing to say, Melissa. Thank you so much. :)

* Grayquill, you're not far off. Benny has a small but visible scar on top of his head, presumably an inadvertent bite from his mother shortly after his birth (stubborn birth sac). It might explain his crazy but always-entertaining behaviour. :)

* Thanks very much, Yaya but that look is a common occurrence for Benny. If his head isn't spinning, ours are. He's a wild ride. Thanks for the visit. :)

* Thanks so much, Pauline. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the photos. Thanks so much for letting me know. :)

* Jillsy, you've got that right. :)

* Thanks, VM. And they, from hin. It's win-win. :)

* Thanks so much, Barb. I'm so glad that the mood of the day came across to you and so many others. Your kind words are much appreciated. :)

* Elizabeth, thanks very much. I hope seeing the photos was the next best thing. Thanks for stopping by. :)

* Thank you, Susan. :)

* Thanks, Chip. Dogs and kidlets are just naturals, aren't they? :)

* Good to see you, Red. Thanks so much for the visit. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. :)

* Sandy, that such a sweet thought. I'm so glad to know that Benny brightens your day.. as he does mine. Thanks so much, my friend. :)

* MaggieGem, indeed it was. Thanks for the visit. :)

* Louciao, thanks so kindly. Much appreciated. :)

* Gail, your comment made me laugh. I chatted with someone the other day whose dog was part JRT. He was terrified of water and won't go anywhere near it. It takes all kinds. Thanks so much for the kind words. :)

* Shammie, you'd win that bet. They were all soaked when all was said and done. :)

* Thanks very much, Indrani. I'm glad you enjoyed them. :)

* Thanks so much, Maggie. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the post. Benny doesn't know when to stop though. He made himself very sick up at the cottage by trying to drink the lake dry. He never learns but he's almost always entertaining. :)

* Thanks so much, Wendy. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed these photos so much. Those kids were indeed having a blast and Benny was really in his element. Thanks for letting me know that you enjoyed the post. :)

* Thanks very much, MPM. He's super clean but always has that wet dog smell. ;)

* Thanks, Russell. He always has fun no matter what he's doing. Thanks for the visit. :)

Anonymous said...

What a goofy dog - I love him! These are priceless. Thanks for sharing them!

Linda said...

Wonderful! So who had more fun, Benny or the girls? Benny! He was so in his element.

Jinksy said...

And a good time was had by all! That evening sunshine gives a wonderful light...

Reb said...

Those are all great, I especially like the last one.

Sandra said...

Loved, loved, LOVED this series of photos! If Benny were human, you'd have to pay him for "acting" in your work. I thoroughly enjoyed this event, almost as if I were sitting on the stoop with you, watching it all. :)

Steve Gravano said...

Wow, Benny is such a fun dog. Isabel will have no part of water...except to drink.

photowannabe said...

Too much fun Hilary. I can almost hear the giggles. Benny is a character all on his own.
Total fun.

beth said...

he is hysterical and a bit crazy about water...

maybe his mother gave birth to him in one of those birthing pools.....just saying :)

those photos are fantastic....

Glo said...

What wonderful colouring in that first photo! Benny is true to form but I don't know how you could keep your camera form jiggling with laughter...Blissfully buoyant bouncy Benny!

Brandy Marie said...

I love this post! Its that happy caught up in the moment & being a kid. Sucks you in and you are lost. I think all dogs, especially yours all turn back into puppies around kids who fuel their energy upon them. I love this whole sequence and your shots are beautiful. and amazing. perfect really. :) _B

Bob Bushell said...

What a lovely game, played by the youngest and a dog.

Hilary said...

• Barbara, thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed him. :)

• Linda, Benny always has this much fun. I'm sure the girls do too. They're a natural grouping. :)

• Jinksy, it's a great time of day for sure.. that magic hour. I'm glad you enjoyed. :)

• Thank you, Reb. Much appreciated. :)

• Thank you so much, Sandra. It pleases me so much to know you enjoyed it. :)

• Steve, we have trouble keeping Benny out of the lake.. to the point of hyper-hydration. He loves his water play. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks, Sue. You can be sure there were plenty of giggles. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

• Beth, you didn't even need to finish your first sentence with those last two words. The first seven words say it all. Thanks so much for the kind comment. :)

• Glo, lucky for me there's an image stabilizer on the lens. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to hold it still enough for sure. ;) Thanks for the kind words and the alliterative description of Benny. :)

• Brandy Marie, I'm so glad you enjoyed the post. It was exactly that kind of scene as you so beautifully described. I should hire you to write my photo descriptions. ;)

• Thanks very much, Bob. :)

Jayne said...

Joyous photos! That Benny's a ham. A dog, I know, but a ham. ;)

holdingmoments said...

I had tears of laughter down my face. So much fun going on there.

Mage said...

Simply marvelous. He always leaves me smiling.

Hilary said...

• Jayne, you've got that right. Benny is the biggest ham I know. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Keith, I'm so glad to hear that. It pleases me to know that Benny brought you laughter tears. :)

• Thank you, Mage. So good to know :)

Leave It To Davis said...

That is the funniest set of dog pictures I have ever seen! If that had been a video, you should have submitted it into America's Funniest Videos....it would have won hands down! Funny, funny, funny dog!