I first met Topper in June, just before we all headed up to Maine for the summer. Cousin to Flo (their mothers are sisters), Topper came in a 6-pack (it was a litter of 8 puppies, and 2 stayed home with their mom) with Brian Meany from Syracuse, NY for me to photograph at my studio.
Although Topper was a stellar model, bright and calm and adorable, I had no intention of getting another puppy. Three dogs is more than enough. Bobbin, age 13, has become quite a lot of work and Flo is pretty ridiculous. Candy is no trouble, but when I walk them the leashes get braided as they weave down the sidewalk in NYC.
So after a few days of shooting, I said goodbye to Brian, and to Topper and the other puppies, and we left for Maine.
The dogs quickly settled back into their Maine routine, but after a couple of days I began to feel sorry for Flo. Candy and Bobbin couldn't keep up with her on our bike rides, or miles long treks through the woods. I kept thinking about Topper. He was energetic, but steady. He could be a perfect companion for Flo, and for us.
So I asked my wife Christine if maybe we should get Topper after all, and to my surprise she immediately said yes. So then I called Brian Meany and he immediately said yes. As luck would have it, Brian was scheduled to meet up with friends in Maine and he bring Topper up to Bowdoin College, where my show Hello Nature was due to be opening in a few days.
Topper was sweet and calm at the opening, had a quiet ride back to Rangeley. He spent the next several weeks exploring the woods and the lake, just like Flo did last summer.
Though I'd had some worries -- mainly that bossy Flo, who is more demanding than any puppy I have ever raised, would be jealous -- they proved to be short lived. Flo and Topper are highly charged and loving playmates. We just stand back and watch the show.
Bobbin and Candy are fine with this. They are grown-ups.
--WW
Check back tomorrow and every day this week for Topper photos, videos and more!
Oh William, they are completely stunning!
Posted by: Jennifer Lynn | 09/11/2012 at 02:57 PM
Awww what a cutie
Posted by: Clair Litster-Huckle | 09/11/2012 at 03:00 PM
Love! Wish we could've seen them when we were in Rangeley but Lucas never wants to bother you!
Posted by: Vanessa freeman | 09/11/2012 at 03:05 PM
Thanks for sharing! Love my Weims...
Posted by: I | 09/11/2012 at 03:08 PM
Like many, I fell in love with Weimaraners because of your work. After my spouse and I finished our thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in Rangeley, ME - due to flip-flopping the last couple hundred miles - we got our first Weim and named him Rangeley. (At the time, we had no idea of your connection to the area.)
Flo was the key to melting my spouse's heart again, which is how I convinced her that we should adopt our second Weim, Oliver. I have wanted a female puppy for a while, and now I see the gorgeous Topper. I wonder if his pictures will be the catalyst for our third Weim...
Posted by: Kim | 09/11/2012 at 03:09 PM
I knew this would be the surprise. When you photographed my dog Kesha almost 12 years ago, you wanted to take her home from Tampa with you. I think you got Candy shortly after that.
Posted by: Susan Wallace | 09/11/2012 at 04:18 PM
Yea! Congratulations on Topper! Look forward to your work with him. Kisses and pats to Bobbin (especially - old dogs rule), Flo, Candy and lil' Topper.
Posted by: Trudy J. Shealy | 09/11/2012 at 05:01 PM
What a beautiful puppy! And already so poised in his photos!! Can't wait to see more...
And now I want another puppy.
Posted by: Robbi | 09/11/2012 at 07:12 PM