Hounds of Hollywood

January is probably my least favourite month so when I found out that I was going to Los Angeles to do a photo shoot with work last minute I was definitely excited. I had never been before and heard it's where all the famous people lived so that was enough for me. 

While celebrity spotting was on the minimum, one thing I couldn't help notice were the amount of stunning dogs this coastal city holds. I spent most of the time on Venice Beach which was filled with every type of breed imaginable. Americans love dogs even more than us Brits and the beach is the number one walking spot. I took some photos of a few of my favourites. 

Above there is Oscar, the Labradoodle puppy who had the most beautifully cut coat and looked liked a teddy bear. 

I knew I was going to like LA when I went to cast models at Vision and was greeted merrily by this stunner. 

This chubby chihuahua was being carried around by his owner in a pair of goggles to protect his sensitive eyes, he was caught on camera by our videographer Brian Kazez. 

One very friendly pair of pugs.

    

I love the shadows in this photograph - look at the tail! 

I hadn't seen a french bulldog with this colouring before, I think it might have been mixed with an English Bulldog? 

This is Gezelle, an old French Bulldog who I looked after outside Abbot Kinney's Intelligentsia cafe while her owner queued for coffee. He described her physique as compact. 

So much grace in that paw. 

This roller skater had put sunglasses on his dog, but they didn't stay on for long. 

My boss Gemma caught these two long haired Chihuahua's teamed together in their owners bicycle basket. 

There appeared to be a shortage of large dogs in the city so I was pleased to discover this sloppy St. Bernard. I was reminded of my affection for this breed after re-watching Beethoven 1 & 2 over Christmas. 

I felt a bit sorry for this little guy being left out on his own while his owners dined. 

For the best dog spotting in LA, visit Venice Beach Boardwalk, there is even a corgi being carried around in a cart wearing a bikini, but you have to pay for a photograph of that. 

Alpaca Adventures

Late last winter I headed back to the Home Counties and my very own home county Buckinghamshire to have what turned out to be one of the best days of 2012 - hanging out in an alpaca farm. 

Located in the picturesque village of Aston Abbotts just outside Aylesbury is Abbotts View Farm, home to 28 alpacas and 4 miniature Shetland Ponies. The farm is run by Jo and her family who are in the process of turning it into the ultimate alpaca experience. While it is yet to open to the general public, my mum made a call and Jo kindly let us head down for our very own personal tour. 

I have been alpaca mad for some time, I once even tried to make my dad pull over on a dual carriageway when I spotted a field of them. So getting to meet them, feed them and find out all about them for a whole afternoon was a dream come true. 

The alpacas were split into three fields - one for the girls and babies, one for the boys and one for the men. We were lucky enough to get to meet two new babies (see above) who were just about the cutest thing ever. 

We were introduced to every alpaca by name and farm owner Jo had no trouble differentiating one from the other. This seemed surprising at first but the more time we spent with them, the more we noticed their individual characteristics and the more we fell in love. 

This year Aston Abbotts Farm plans to open up its gates to the general public so if you live in Bucks or are passing through I would definitely recommend paying a visit and giving them a hug from me. 

The the biggest character on the farm was Paris the miniature Shetland Pony who showed the alpaca men who's boss on her afternoon run. 

Abbotts View Farm, Off Moat Lane, Aston Abbotts, Bucks HP22 4NF. 

www.abbottsviewalpacas.co.uk

www.facebook.com/AbbottsViewAlpacas