The reason I miss 20% of my shots - my son Shangaan

[Carl Walker]

I mentioned a a little about him in a thread Daniel started in the forum General Photography discussion - Murphy's Law for photographers, so you can read there about my missed shots

Shangaan goes everywhere with me and is my constant companion on the reserve and and most of my travels where he is welcome. When I am inside learning PP work with Gabriela and Andre he is outside running around chasing cats. He was savagely attacked by a friends cat when he was a pup and there is a large spotted genet at home that raids his bowl frequently at night while he is inside chilling. So who can blame him!

He is a 3 1/2 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback. They were originally bred to hunt Lion back in the old days and I have been amazed at how much instinct is there with regards to that. Even as a puppy he knew that the big cats were something to be wary of. He used to bark if he saw lion or leopard on our daily excursions in the reserve but I managed to stop him from doing that now and he just growls. If I see him reacting in a certain way I know that something is up and start paying attention until I see what it is he has smelt or seen. Good to have around when my guard may be down. On one occasion I was about to get out, camera in hand to walk off and sneak up on an eagle and he started growling. There was a black mamba gliding past us a few meters away. SO yeah, he is handy to have around

Anyway he has also become a bird dog.He has no choice really but he would rather be with me than waiting at home. I guess you could say he has become 'a dog of all trades' with all the different stuff we do together whether it is fishing, tracking or carpentry in my workshop. I don't know what it is about the bumble bee but he just has to get to it. However when he is trying to clamber over the tablesaw to get to it then thats when I have to start drawing the line.

Lastly he has this very strange relationship with warthogs. He does not get to spend much time with his own kind. As a youngster there was no fence around my yard and the local camp warthog got used to him and sensed that he was young. So he got to play a lot with them. When we are out walking and see other warthog you can see that he is baffled by a different behaviour from them when he wants to initiate play. He has had a few hard lessons some near lethal with a few scars from their tusks.

With all the missed shots due to his antics it is worth it and I would not change it for anything. Thanks for letting me share.

[Paul Click]

Shangaan sounds like a great sidekick, Carl. Makes me with I could be there having adventures with you guys!

[Christopher Miller]

You're truly blessed to have such a great companion and friend, Carl. Sounds like he's quite a dog!

[LinzRiverBalmer]

absolutely awesome story and dog, well 4 legged fur child. I would think to if I lived in an area like you are describing that he is invaluable. Would be like living in Alaska, must have a Bear Dog, well I would.

I have my own with quirks as well, though sometimes I wish she was bigger.

Mine is 8 pounds and is actually my certified service dog, she detects my glucose problems so always with me.

She is weird and loves cats, but can't stand dogs.... she will tolerate a few.

Don't know why but she adores birds, probably from going with us when we go to watch them. You should see her during the crane festival she's just in awe.

I'm guilty to of using her as bait, not really........ but if you ever need eye contact from a raptor, just have your Mom (the driver of the car) hold the 8 pound dog up or on top of the car.

Now don't everybody go bashing me, Mom always has her harness in hand and we are never close enough for her to get picked up..... but for raptors sitting in trees it usually gets their attention instantly..... head angle and closed eyes.... problem solved.

I don't even think they see her as food.... its more like what is that little thing in a bright purple vest sitting on top of that car for..... people, sheesh.

Sorry to hijack your thread, just find it interesting what dogs get into, like yours being friends with warthogs. Don't know why mine would be ecstatic if she had a parrot to talk to, she adores them.

Had a wolf hybrid once, only 1/4 or less wolf and you are right the old breeds really keep their instincts. I love Rhodesians, grew up with one, they are great around horses.

[Randy Stout]

Carl:

Fantastic tale, enjoyed reading it! My dog is lovely, smart, but too hyper to go in the field, at least for now.

My shop cat, kirky, is quiet, and follows me around like a dog, but tends to eat most small critters, so not a good choice for a birder!

Cheers

Randy

[Rachel Hollander]

Carl - I really enjoyed reading your description of his antics and warnings. A loyal and trustworthy companion for sure.

TFS,
Rachel

[Steve Kaluski]

Love the story Carl and a nice insight too.

The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog. - Ambrose Bierce

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

There's nothing like the love you get from your dogs. I lost three to a divorce and it has left me broken hearted. So nice to see people sharing such a great love with there's... even if you miss a few shots here and there. I had the little ones but I swear they think they are the biggest ones for sure. Thanks for sharing and he is beautiful by the way

[Karl Egressy]

Carl,

Great story. You have a great friend and he will always be your friend and companion. She is very handsome, you got an nice image of her.

[Jim Keener]

Thanks for the story, Carl. Please don't tell Shangaan, but I have a cat. He is pleased to sit next to me when I go to the patio to photograph the birds that *usually* populate the area. I tried keeping him inside, but he meows so much the birds leave anyway. Oh well. I need the practice, but have to go to another place to get the experience I need.