Dog Days

Katie Stevens|December 10, 2018|PHOTO ESSAY

A walk on the beach is a great way to relieve stress and take a break from homework. When I go, I like to take my camera and approach dog-owners to get a few quick shots and give a few affectionate bellyrubs.

It’s impossible to be stressed or anxious looking at this little guy!

It’s impossible to be stressed or anxious looking at this little guy!

Sometimes, I’m lucky enough to encounter some interesting and unusual activities.

Sometimes, I’m lucky enough to encounter some interesting and unusual activities.

This man was harnessing the strong ocean winds to get a few seconds of air time, just by running along the shore.

This man was harnessing the strong ocean winds to get a few seconds of air time, just by running along the shore.

Then, I meet these two as they dash out of the water to greet their owner and splash water upon unfortunate bystanders.

Then, I meet these two as they dash out of the water to greet their owner and splash water upon unfortunate bystanders.

There is never any shortage of beautiful kites being flown by children and pros alike.

There is never any shortage of beautiful kites being flown by children and pros alike.

A couple of boys are constructing a sandcastle which is admittedly far more impressive than anything I ever attempted when I was young.

A couple of boys are constructing a sandcastle which is admittedly far more impressive than anything I ever attempted when I was young.

Some dogs are very active and trips to the beach are ideal for releasing that rambunctious energy.

Some dogs are very active and trips to the beach are ideal for releasing that rambunctious energy.

Other dogs are less athletic, but no less enthusiastic!

Other dogs are less athletic, but no less enthusiastic!

Flocks of seagulls swarm the beach, hunting for fish and searching for scraps. Paying me no mind, one gracefully floats past.

Flocks of seagulls swarm the beach, hunting for fish and searching for scraps. Paying me no mind, one gracefully floats past.

This gorgeous canine seems to enjoy the attention. She poses like a model before flopping down in the sand.

This gorgeous canine seems to enjoy the attention. She poses like a model before flopping down in the sand.

There is only one person on the shoreline today who is willing to compete with the seagulls for fish. He patiently stands, unmoving for the whole hour I am present.

There is only one person on the shoreline today who is willing to compete with the seagulls for fish. He patiently stands, unmoving for the whole hour I am present.

I am just about to return to the boardwalk when I spot him. The most special dog I have ever had the pleasure of photographing.

I am just about to return to the boardwalk when I spot him. The most special dog I have ever had the pleasure of photographing.

The owner like to give his iguana a chance to soak up the sun. He has a special leash just for these beach days.

The owner like to give his iguana a chance to soak up the sun. He has a special leash just for these beach days.

A trip to the beach is good for more than just sun, surf and sand. It’s a chance to meet some new furry --or scaly-- friends.

A trip to the beach is good for more than just sun, surf and sand. It’s a chance to meet some new furry --or scaly-- friends.

Stanton Newspaper