Bobbin, son of Chip, grandson of Batty, great grandson of Fay, turns 14 today. Named Bobbin Ray for my heroes Bob and Ray (Bob n' Ray and for the fact that I had planned to give him to my sister Pam who liked to sew). One of only 3 in the litter, he started out living in Maine as Pam's dog, but following in Chundo's footsteps proved to be too daunting for him and for my sister.
And he really wanted to be with my dogs Candy and Chip. He would try to stow away in our car when we drove back to New York at the end of the summer. One year, to his delight, I took him back with me where he has been ever since.
Like all my weimaraners (except for the hyper athletic Candy) he has been an enthusiastic and steady performer in my videos and photos. During his early years he was overshadowed by the more endearing looking Chip who starred in about a dozen books for children and many videos for Sesame Street. It took me a while to truly appreciate Bobbin's overwhelming loyalty to me and to his steadiness on the set.
Now that he knows his home is with me, wherever I go, he enjoys Maine. He like to run, trot actually, very long distances on bike rides on the loving roads of Maine. We often go 10 or 15 miles. I assume he likes doing it because the choice to follow is his. Bobbin is very different in our upstate NY weekend home, where he can graze in the fields and follow his nose.
Recently he performed live in a Karole Armitage dance piece conceived for him. It was totally amazing and partly successful. I had to miss the last of three performance and he went a little nuts looking for me.
Bobbin always has a serious expression, and his look is darkening with age. Despite his namesakes, he has no sense of humor. His talent lies in his steadiness.
I plan on photographing him next week concentrating on his portrait. I'm thinking they may resemble the late portraits I took of Man Ray in the last months of his life.
-- WW
Gorgeous!! He looks so much like my Mason, it's incredible!
Posted by: Nancy M. Reenan | 09/12/2013 at 12:27 PM
Thank you for sharing Bobbin's story.. I just lost my female Weimaraner , "Zara" … She was going to turn 12 this next month.
She was a fabulous woofer… pretty, smart and opinionated, but very feminine and polite:)
She will be greatly missed!
I absolutely love your photos and your work WW… Thank you for all the happiness, joy and love you spread around!
Anette Lynch
HAPPY B-DAY BOBBIN!!!
Posted by: Anette Lynch | 09/12/2013 at 12:49 PM
(singing doggedly) Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Bobbin, happy birthday to you -- and many more! Rangeley & Oliver, two NC Weims, send their wishes your way. We have a happy home 'cuz of your Daddy.
Posted by: joselle anthony | 09/12/2013 at 01:06 PM
Happy birthday, Bobbin, from your Weim friend, Harley, in Overland Park, KS
Posted by: Robyn and Harley Inzerillo | 09/12/2013 at 02:39 PM
Tazzie and Annie Rose wish Bobbin a very Happy Birthday from NH. Both are girls and are the latest of the seven Weims we have been owned by.
Posted by: Judy Grimes | 09/12/2013 at 02:39 PM
Happy Birthday, Bobbin, from a younger girl (10) in Ohio.
Enjoy your birthday!
Posted by: Nancy | 09/12/2013 at 03:01 PM
Happy Birthday Bobbin. also congrats to WIlliam Wegman for looking after you so well.
Hugs to all your brothers, sisters, cousins etc. You are a great clan. There are some amazing and beautiful photographs of you all, which we all immensely enjoy viewing. Thankyou Mr.Wegman for all your images of a special breed we all love.
Posted by: Hedy Pardey | 09/12/2013 at 04:10 PM
WW-SO want to have an exhibit of Bobbin and relatives at LMFA - Longview Museum of Fine Arts - www.LMFA.org
Posted by: Renee Hawkins | 09/12/2013 at 06:31 PM
Loved reading about this beautiful dog Bobbin..l originally had no real knowledge. ...about these awesome dog's. ..untill l came across one of Wegmans books about Fay...at a bargain stall. .. upon turning its many lovely pictured pages. ..I was both intrigued and mesmerised by the presence these beautiful dogs emitted! Thank you William. .. for inspiring me in my photography also... as l embark on using more unique ways to photograph. ... especially around animals generally. X
Posted by: Babs Baker Photo Taker | 09/14/2013 at 01:27 PM