Badges and Baseball

I have always considered myself fortunate to have been raised by a man with a badge. Knowing the differences between right and wrong came without struggle hanging around a bunch of cops. Early on, I was given a glove and a bat and ball by my grandfather (bottom row, second from left). He was a baseball fanatic and it acutely became my passion and obsession as well. An outlet not only for me, but for a group of guys who spent a good chunk of their free time together, practicing and playing against other police agencies across California. They lived for this. This particular image was found while sifting through a box of old photographs. My attention was immediately drawn towards the genuine sense of camaraderie and fun that is evoked. They were a unit of heroes both on the highway and on the diamond.

California Highway Patrolmen

& 

baseball nuts

A Lick Of Thanks

Dedicated crew leader Bob gets a kiss and a tackle from Princess after his help in removing her chain.

Portland, Oregon

2013

Finding Peace

Walking my dogs at night over the years has evolved into much more then simply exercise for us. It is a time to not only bond with my pals, but to also clear my head and gather myself of the days events. Its become a time to find myself and the inner peace that lies buried within all that I carry. Often, I walk for miles while the transformation transpires. I enjoy the solitude and mystery of walking in the dark when the rest of the city is at rest. Getting out and shifting my focus to the dogs has provided me with great reward. Even in the most troublesome times of my life I have never regretted a walk, and for that I owe them everything.

Portland, Oregon

Sox and Chica

Sox and Chica take a moment from play to see the fence team off. This acknowledgement of gratitude by dogs that are freed from chains is common and always beautiful.

Dayton, Oregon

2013

Saturday Lovin

Mindy introduces herself to "Princesca" on a Saturday morning during her fence build. Up until then, she had spent her entire life outside and tethered to a small cable on the front deck of her property. Later in the morning as we departed, Princesca and her two puppies had a fenced yard and dog house. No more tethering, just play.

Wood Village, Oregon

2013