Sunday Stills: National Love Your #Pet Day

“On February 20, we celebrate National Love Your Pet Day, a day to embrace one special trait that makes us human: our love of our pets!” Source

boys and dog

The Sweetest Furry Faces

brown dog
Brodie’s Snowy Side-Eye

“That it will never come again, is what makes life so sweet.” ~ Emily Dickinson

If you don’t have a pet of your own, perhaps you have a backyard that birds enjoy. While wild birds are not pets, they certainly cost their weight in bird feed. We enjoy the show!

Good thing these female finches were keenly aware of their surroundings!

2 finches
Double Finch Lookout

Only minutes later, this Sharp-Shinned Hawk swooped in onto our patio table for a look-see!

cooper's hawk

Then he flew over to the bird feeder where the finches had left only moments before…

cooper's hawk

I’m thrilled to have captured my first Sharp-Shinned Hawk with my lens! I love gawking at the bird photos on the Spokane Birders Facebook page, and added these images to the group page.

cooper's hawk
Hmm, what do we have here?

Yep, Another Road Trip

“Still, round the corner, there may wait, a new road or a secret gate.” – J. R. R. Tolkien

This week, hubby and I are taking another road trip to Arizona and California to spend time with family and friends. We’ll drive home in late March via the Northern California coast and southern Oregon coast—places I have never visited.

Rather than stress about my weekly Sunday Stills posts, I am getting help from two wonderful bloggers and photographers who will host while I’m away. I’m thrilled to invite Cathy Ryan of Between the Lines and Susanne Swanson from Cats and Trails and Garden Tales to co-host Sunday Stills while we travel during March. Please follow their wonderful blogs!

This information is already published on my Sunday Stills page as well.

🌷 I will continue The Flower Hour each Tuesday as normally scheduled. 🌸

Sunday Stills Photo Challenge Reminders

Each week, I find additional inspiration from my fellow bloggers’ photo challenges. I enjoy incorporating these into my Sunday Stills weekly themes.

  • Remember to title your blog post a little differently from mine.
  • Please create a new post for the theme or link to a recent one.
  • Entries for this theme can be posted all week.
  • Tag your post “Sunday Stills.”
  • Don’t forget to create a pingback to this post so that other participants can read your post.
  • I also recommend adding your post’s URL to the comments.

As a challenge host, I always appreciate your comments. If you participate, please leave a comment with your link; they’re always read and appreciated.

If you are participating in the photo challenge, I look forward to seeing how you interpret this week’s theme! Creativity is encouraged, so please share your own photographs (old or new), poems, original short stories, and music inspired by the theme.

I will still post for The Flower Hour, but having them handle Sunday Stills will give me a bit of a break. Here is the schedule, themes, and who is hosting during March.

Mar 1 NO CHALLENGE
Mar 8 Seascapes hosted by Cathy Between the Lines
Mar 15 Monthly Color Challenge: Jade Green, Peridot hosted by Susanne Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Mar 22 Early (Celebrate Equinox: Spring or Autumn), hosted by Susanne
Mar 29 Your Favorite Places, hosted by Cathy

We plan to return home a few days after Easter (April 5th). Sunday Stills resumes April 12 with the Monthly color Challenge “Diamonds and Quartz.”

To see more of my images and other news, consider following Terri on Social Media by clicking the icons:

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76 responses to “Sunday Stills: National Love Your #Pet Day”

  1. I really enjoy reading posts about different dog breeds and their behavior. Cane Corso is one of those powerful breeds that needs proper understanding before ownership. Cane Corso Dog Breed Guide: Everything First-Time Owners Need to Know

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Terri, I never knew that there are hawks that small. That’s a great picture! Your Brodie is handsome, and a lot of fun I’m sure. Helen and I have had nine dogs over our fifty years together, but had none for the last ten years. It was time to “re-dog” and I found Mortimer. He is a joy and a real love-sponge. Enjoy your road Trip and travel safely. Joe

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Joe! He was so close and I was lucky my good camera was close by! Yes, dogs are “people,” Brodie is like our 5 yr old child. Unlike a 5 yr old child, I can put him in a crate in the back of the car. He loves going with us and we choose pet friendly hotels. So far, the first leg to Idaho was sunny and nice weather-wise.

      Like

  3. I love watching the birds at my feeder! Have a wonderful trip!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Great to hear, Debra, thank you so much!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I love seeing Brodie. Our daughter has a Boykin Spaniel as well! Such Loving dogs.
    That hawk, Wow! But watch out for your little birds.
    Enjoy your trip to AZ and seeing family.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. And friends! Thank you, Nancy! I’m so happy your daughter is owned by a Boykin! 🐾😆

      Liked by 1 person

  5. […] Sunday Stills: Love Your Pet […]

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Oh, my goodness, I know you miss those pups everyday. What precious babies. I have had dogs all of my adult life until the last ten years or so. Boy, do I miss having a pup. Will be doing my photo post in a week or so. Might have to dig up some photos of my sweet girls.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I do, thank you, Leslie. Brodie is 9 now. We figure 4-5 more years for him. We’re getting too old for a new dog. We’re enjoying him while we have him and love taking him on trips with us. Looking forward to your post!

      Like

  7. […] Sunday Stills Photo Challenge this week is “Love Your Pet”. I did not initially participate in this Challenge as I don’t have any pets, except those […]

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Where would we be without our pets, Terri? Not only loving and loyal, but fun and a big part of the family. Plus, they can bring you into contact with so many new people, some of whom go on to become friends. And we must not forget about how some animals help us exercise.

    Have an amazing trip. I look forward to hearing all about it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Pets definitely create wonderful benefits, Hugh! We’re grateful Brodie can still travel with us at 9 yrs old although he has his own stuff that goes in the car! When we’re out, someone always asks about his breed which most have never heard of Boykin Spaniels.

      I’ll be popping in and out on the blog while we’re gone and plan to meet up with some bloggers too.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Wonderful photos, Terri. Our balcony is a haven for birds, and we love the entertainment. Have a safe and wonderful trip! 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Eugi! I’m glad you also have a great place to watch the birds!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome, Terri.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Lovely furry friends, Terri 💕 Your hawk looks very similar to our sparrow hawk. Our Love your Pets day isn’t until April.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Cathy! This hawk was about the size of a Robin. Thank you again for hosting Sunday Stills next month. ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      1. My pleasure, Terri.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Oops I missed it. Don’t tell Penny. I was house-sitting for a friend, at her house, with her two cocker spanials. So doubly don’t tell Penny.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Don’t know why I’m anonymous. This is Dawn. I’m still away from home, husband had a health incident while I was gone, and is in hospital and I need to get going….but everything will be fine once the cocker’s mom gets home tomorrow.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for including your name, Dawn. Silly WordPress! Praying for your hubby and your peace of mind!

        Like

    2. No worries, Dawn. Luckily they can’t read the calendar and think evey day is Love Your Pet day! 😆🐾

      Like

  12. Dogs are the best! Thanks for the great photos. Enjoy your trip. xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Darlene! We’re grateful our Brodie can come along on our trips!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. We took our Dot on a road trip to Paris. It was so much fun. In France many hotels are pet friendly.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Have a wonderful safe trip!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Gosh, broodie’s snowy side-eyed make me giggle. Enjoy your travel soon, Terri. Keep safe.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Hazel! Yep, Brodie is a character!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yeah, truly. My pleasure, Terri

        Liked by 1 person

      1. A lovely post Terri, I love your pet photos. Also how lucky were those Finches… That Sharp-Shinned Hawk was a amazing capture and boy isn’t he beautiful!

        I hope you and hubby have a wonderful Road trip and have a fabulous time with family. I have been away lately too! We are not long back from a month in New Zealand…that was a wonderful road trip… Both Islands top to bottom. It good to be home though. 💜💜

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you, Willow! Such lucky catches of birds this week. We’re excited about our trip! Looking forward to warmer temps. I knew you were on a break but not that you were in New Zealand! How exciting!

        While you were away, I started the Flower Hour challenge, a nod to Cee’s FOTD, which is now completely gone 😦 Welcome home!

        Like

      3. Take care Terri it’s nice to be back 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  15. I always enjoy your pet photos Terri. Your backyard bird photos are always fun as well. I only have sparrows in my backyard now that I stopped feeding the birds at the house; I do feed the birds at the Park all year around. I have a few of those birds munching treats in today’s post. But I have Cooper’s Hawks, both in the neighborhood and at Council Point Park. That has only been since around 2020. I lost all the squirrels I used to feed at the house. The Cooper’s Hawk will sit in the tree across the street. I know to look up as the Jays will screech their heads off to warn the other birds of predators.

    I will have a Wordless Wednesday contribution for Flower Hour this week. I have no pets, unless you want to count the squirrels and birds at the Park. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Linda! Our hawk visitor was a huge surprise, but made for amazing pics! No worries on posting for SS. Flower Hour will keep me busy enough and connected which will great.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That was a great pose by the hawk and you were there to get it, thankfully after the smaller birds feasted and departed. I’ll wish you a wonderful trip now in case you are already on the road on Wednesday.

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Great furry and feathery fotos, Terri! It sounds like you have a fun road trip ahead… I hope we can arrange a meet-up when you get to SD.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Janis! We’re excited to travel and see friends and family soon. We will definitely meet up when I’m there!

      Like

  17. So many beautiful pets, the ones gone forever missed. You got some amazing photos of that hawk. Wow! I’m glad the finches escaped in time; it would have been hard to see the hawk in action. Have a wonderful road trip! I’m hoping to link up later with my favorite pets.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Susanne. As pet parents we have to be available to our pets. Both dogs loved road/RV trips, so we continue while we can. I was thrilled the hawk got so close but missed dinner. Thanks again for hosting next month!

      Liked by 1 person

  18. […] Sunday Stills Challenge for National Pet Day here’s our beloved Patches. […]

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aww, such sweet faces, Carol. Beautiful pics of folks and their pets!

      Like

  19. Terri, I’m a dog person and yours are beautiful. Your bird images are great. The southern Oregon and northern California coasts are spectacular! Take your time and enjoy every minute! Bring back lots of photos!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Beth! I was thrilled to see the hawk. Before we head to California, we’ll be visiting the Tucson area for several days. I’ve got two lumix cameras and my phone!

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Have a fun trip, Terri. Be safe. 💖

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Colleen. We’re looking forward to sunshine and a new adventure!

      Like

  21. Fantastic about the hawk pictures. They are great. A lovely post, Terri.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Robbie. That little hawk was mere feet from our windows.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Great photo gallery, Terri. I love the birds. They are not easy to photograph. Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Suzette! They’re not, I’ve looked at my pics and found empty space or the end of a tail feather!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. That’s quite the look Brodie is giving you! Love the hawk photos. What a cool visitor. They must love bird feeders. Have a great trip. Here’s mine this week: https://grahamsisland.com/2026/02/22/chairman-meow/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Graham! I was composing this post when the hawk visited the patio. Google told me it was a Coopers Hawk, but the birders page told me differently. One way to learn! Yep, Brodie loves the snow, which is all but gone now, but the side-eye was just too funny not to share!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Is it warming up then?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Cold snap then another warmish storm coming.

        Liked by 1 person

  24. […] week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Love Your Pet.’ See more responses here. We don’t have pets currently, so here are some archive photos of Chairman Meow, our cat from our […]

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Sweet dogs! And the ones who are gone remain forever in our hearts. 💖 Your backyard is a real bird paradise, Terri. Such great entertainment! Have a wonderful time on your road trip. Looking forward to the photos. 📷

    https://thedogladysden.com/love-your-pets-sundaystills-photography/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Debbie, I kept the post short, but couldn’t resist adding the “pet” birds. I’m looking forward to seeing Tucson, and the NorCal/Oregon coasts!

      Liked by 1 person

  26. These were awesome Terri,. Love the hawk. When I was down at my daughters, I spotted a small hawk on the excavator outside and ran to get my camera…it had flown away by the time I got back. I was so bummed.

    Have a great trip. I will certainly visit the other gals and hopefully link up. I’m heading to Canada March 6-10 so may miss that one as I decided not to bring my computer. Or, if I’m on top of it maybe I’ll schedule a post and figure out how to share it via my phone…..haha!

    https://troyerslovinglife.blogspot.com/2026/02/taking-in-life-around-mesunday-stills.html

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Kirstin! I felt lucky to see and get some great snaps. Two days have gone by and the little birds must still be hiding. Ot was cold and windy yesterday so they may be roosting to stay warm. Enjoy Canada!

      Like

  27. Wonderful images, Terri. I’ve never had a pet, so I’m not sure how to pet them. I hope I can keep a dog sometime in the future.
    Have a lovely holiday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Smitha! We make a lot of accommodations for our dog. But it’s worth it. They’re like children and their unconditional love is worth it all.
      I’ll be reading posts and sharing Flower Hour while gone.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Wonderful images Terri! Dogs are special, giving us their love and owning our hearts. Keep your camera ready and bring a lot of SD cards. The Northern CA and Southern OR coasts are stunning, especially Oregon.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Anne! My mom raised collies for show and breeding when I was a kid and dogs were always a part of our lives. We take road trips to accommodate our sweet Brodie. He loves them. I’m super excited about visiting some new areas. Hopefully the spring weather will cooperate.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. I’ve been reading a lot about the domestication of wolves (or their domestication of us!)–the floppy ears, shorter snouts, look you right in the eye. I see it in all of your dog pictures. Great photos as always, Terri.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Dogs are very intelligent and always capture our hearts, Jacqui! Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Very beautiful dogs! And birds too, Terri, happy Sunday!! ☺️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you! I’ve been around dogs all my life. 🐾🤎

      Like

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About Me

I’m a former university adjunct Professor and retired recreation & parks practitioner living in North-Eastern Washington State near the Idaho border. Second Wind Leisure Perspectives is my blog about living a leisure lifestyle, including photography, friends, fitness, and fun.

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