TRILBY
Tracy Morgan a photographer was so taken with the Wells trio of dogs that she asked Marney if she would let her use one of the dogs for a modelling shoot for a Hub International catalogue, what follows is in Marneys (unmistakable) words.
How could I refuse? I did actually decide that Bertie was probably not ideal when I was told other living creatures would be involved. So I decided that this would be Trilby's big break as a super-model!
She would be modelling dog beds and accessories this time, where might it all end? Maybe a Paris catwalk - or would that be dogwalk?
We arrived at the studio to find some Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds along with Papillons belonging to the Urquarharts who own Hun International. Trilby took it all in her stride, and although she had never met any of the dogs before, was soon lying on the top bunk bed with a German Shepherd underneath as though they had known each other all their lives. We had to place the dogs quite carefully while standing on thin matting to protect the paper which formed the back-drop for the photos, so they needed to be calm and co-operative as we did not want any marks on the floor or rips in the paper, and, of course, once placed, the dogs had to stay put while the humans made silly noises and waved toys around to make them look appealing (no problem for Trilby - how could she look anything but appealing!?).
During the day, Trilby reclined on four-posters, lounged on chaise-longs and generally behaved in an exemplary manner. One of my favourite shots was of her and a Golden Retriever lying side by side on some mattresses, one fluffy, one flowery, with their heads down and their eyes close, apparently asleep. The were only acting!
Part way through the after, someone asked me if Trilby liked cats. As I said, it is difficult to tell when cats spend so little time in our garden! All I usually see is the flash of a disappearing tail followed by very fast moving Staffords. After some discussion, it was decided to try the shot of Trilby on a bottom bunk and the cat on the top. I put Trilby in a down stay with her feet and body all nearly arranged as requested and the cat was brought in and placed on the top bunk. To tell the truth, id did not seem a happy cat - it had probably read a few books on Stafford's in its idle moments and did not really care that this could be it's start to fame and fortune. It would not stay still without two assistants, one either side holding it down while Tracy wave a toy around to keep its attention and told the helpers when to let go of the cat! Through al of this, Trilby (having given the cat a quick sniff when it was first placed above her) behaved beautifully. She did not budge from her stay and kept her eyes on me while I stood back behind the camera, talking to her and making little noises to get her to move her head and ears around. When someone commented how amazed they were at her good behaviour with the cat, I had to admit that I had been somewhat impress, too! Not to say surprised!
Of course, I had a wonderful day being very proud of Trilby's behaviour and it is most exciting to see her in a glossy brochure. Biggles, Bertie and Trily's training has involved us in so many different activities, not just the competitions that the training is for , I wonder what will be next?!!
Marney Wells
HOME
CLEVER STAFFORDS
---------------------------------
