Hi John - Nice light. It's a somewhat awkward pose but it works with the vertical comp. Nice detail too. If it were mine I would darken/control the brighter areas on the lower left edge a bit more.
I'm back to front with Rachel, I don't think the light was on your side here. I would be inclined to check contrast and I am sorry to say the background doesn't do you any favours.... but it's sharp and well detailed.
The first thing that strikes me is the eye, very sharp (almost too sharp, have you enhanced it?) and with the direct light too, it just ramps up and amplify's it, a bit spooky. Without seeing the raw it's hard to say John if this is reflective or 'creative' but the contrast I find conflicting, hence my comment that the light isn't soft. I know exactly the angle you are shooting from, but here I think shooting a bit higher may have offered a better pose and with the neck not disappearing below the body.
I'm not saying this is ideal, but... just dropping the exp a fraction, toning down the brighter parts in the face, may be darkening the coat in the FG and definitely making the eye less dominated does help. I feel the light now is a lot softer and perhaps along what you may have seen, albeit my interpretation of the scene.
I would be inclined to check contrast
Jon A, I have already addressed that in the RP, but agree.
I like the quirky pose, and the sweet light.
Agree with Steve, first thought was that it looks crunchy and oversharpened. His repost is an improvement, though I would opt for colour/warmth between the two.
I find your frame quite interesting in terms of content, seems to me the subject got a bit of a fright and was about to turn around and dash for safety. That look in its eye tells a story, it might not be exactly my story but there was something going on there at the time you took this frame, right?
I personally like the warmth and rich colours, just found the OP too contrasty but this was sorted so nicely in Steve's RP. Great detail on the subject's face, L ear and neck. Nice DoF. Another lovely surprise form you, keep them coming please