This week's pet photography theme is "Tale of Tails".  Interesting things about those little dog tails (tales?)  Jimbo, my oldest dog, gives me a lot of information through his tail - he actually gives me various stories (tales) just through that one body part.  If his tail is curled up on his back when he is out walking, he is enjoying himself and happy.  If his tail drops down, then I know he isn't happy or perhaps upset about something.  Now, the real stories are told with using a single word and looking to see - how fast is his tail moving?  If I say "Do you want food?" (if I guessed right, his tail goes into a full swinging motion.  If I am wrong - no tail wag.  If I am half right - I get a little tail wag.  Ok, "Do you need to pee?" Did the tail wag faster than when I asked about food? If yes, then he needs to go outside - if not, then he wants food.  Really simple huh?  Just check the tail meter to see what he wants (and if you don't want to go in the car somewhere never say "ride" because he doesn't give in!

Close up tail curl - Jimbo is happy, relaxed and enjoying himself when his tail is like this.

Curled brown dog tailJimbo's brown dog tail curling

Jimbo's tail is curled, but not up high on his back - so he is happy (we are out and having fun) but we are making him pose - so his tail is at half-mast.

Here's a classic case of "not so happy" - after all, he went swimming and is now all wet.  For an island dog, Jimbo does not seem to be real fond of swimming unless it is to cool off or get from the boat to land.

Of all my dogs, Jimbo's tale is the most expressive of them all.  Abby has a long straight black tail (not a whole lot of cute in that).  Rue's tail is similar to Abby's but it's brown.  Ollie has a curled tail much like Jimbo's but it seems to be curled all the time - so I don't get very many tales from it!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Darlene Woodward with Pant the Town Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).