Do you want to know the secret of still life photography? Hu-dad says the first requirement is to have stationary objects; thus, he has no experience in still life photography. The fun of action photography is you rarely get the photograph you want.

Kiska on security patrol

Take the above picture. Hu-dad was watching us in the backyard and saw Kiska on her regular security patrol. What could be better than pictures of Kiska’s focused face as she took on her most serious task? So he snapped the first picture . . . and she heard it.

Oh, Hu-dad. We haven’t seen each other in at least 15 minutes.

Uh, Kiska. Serious face. You know, critical task. Nothing can distract you from your duties.

I expect belly rubs.

Sorry. There are no more pictures. Hu-dad was busy.

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Remember to mail your Valentine’s card(s) to your favorite member of The Herd (To: Dog’s Name, c/o The Thundering Herd, PO Box 1835, Maggie Valley, NC  28751-1835). If you wish, you may also include a donation made payable to Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation (who saved 1,231 dogs and cats in 2014 – over 3 animals every single day of the year – see this article for details).

One lucky reader will be selected from all of the Valentine’s mailed to win a beautiful gift basket from Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery! The basket last year was overflowing with awesome treats, chews and toys. We get our own freshly baked Pumpkin Treats from them – which they will gladly ship to wherever you are. We will announce the winner on February 14, so your Valentine’s card must be received by February 13 in order to be eligible for the prize.

You can find the profiles of each dog at these links – Cheoah, Natasha, Qannik, Kiska, Typhoon and Frankie.

We will provide the first update later this week on Valentine’s received so far.