Paws and Pose: Teaching Bear Photo-Ready Expressions

Capturing Canine Charm: Bear’s Photogenic Journey

My heart has always been with cats, but it has a special place for dugs. (That’s Scots for dogs.) Dogs have a unique way of wiggling their way into our hearts. And our quirky Westie, Tara Bear, was no exception. She was much more than just a pet; she was a lesson in love, patience, and the unexpected joy of life’s simple moments.

The Many Names of a Beloved Westie

Our wee Bear, a rescue from a puppy mill, was known by many names. From Tara to T-bear, to the slightly odd Camembert (it comes from constantly calling out, “C’mon, Bear”). She even responded to Cheese! Her responsiveness to her ever-changing names always brought a smile to our faces.

From Hesitant Homebody to Reluctant Rambler

Bear’s first week with us was a series of adorable challenges. Convincing her that she was allowed inside the house was our first victory. Next came the sofa saga – making her understand that as comfy as it was, she needed to venture outside for walks.

Eventually, she gave in to our walking routine, but only on her terms. Meaning she’d happily stroll until she’d had enough. At which point, she expected to be carried back home like canine royalty. And, yes, we obliged.

The Oh-So-Photogenic Bear

If there was one thing I wish I could have made her understand, it is that not every photo needed her signature move – sticking her wee tongue out! No matter the setting or how perfect the pose, out would come the tongue, turning every photo into a comedic memory.


Whether lounging at home or enjoying the outside world, Bear’s signature tongue-out pose never failed to bring a smile to our faces.


While we tried to capture the perfect, tongue-in photograph, Bear had other ideas, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.


Do you have a pet with a signature quirk that makes every moment picture-worthy? Share your stories in the comments. I’d love to hear about them!

Stay pawsome,

Susan x

Bloganuary writing prompt
If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?
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About Me

Hi! I’m Scottish author Susan Tippett Braithwaite. I craft romantic suspense stories featuring Sex, Lies, Scots & Spies where danger and desire meet with explosive results.

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10 responses to “Paws and Pose: Teaching Bear Photo-Ready Expressions

  1. Kevin

    My cats like to stick their tongues out frequently too. Defiant little…??

    1. Susan T. Braithwaite – Glasgow, Scotland – 📚 Scottish author who loves writing romantic suspense books filled with Sex, Lies, Scots & Spies that will make your heart race 💗
Explore the world of Scottish spies with me. I live in Scotland with my awesome husband, Jez (check out his photo and AI art fusion blog: jezbraithwaite.blog).​
  2. bushboy – Landcare, photography, music, poetry (of sorts), cooking, our environment, life on the land and making a difference where I can. MotoGP is my "boy" fix.

    One of our cats had a tongue out policy too. As she aged she included a bit of dripping as well

    1. Susan T. Braithwaite – Glasgow, Scotland – 📚 Scottish author who loves writing romantic suspense books filled with Sex, Lies, Scots & Spies that will make your heart race 💗
Explore the world of Scottish spies with me. I live in Scotland with my awesome husband, Jez (check out his photo and AI art fusion blog: jezbraithwaite.blog).​

      Awww. Our kitten Phil was a drooler… but that could have been linked to Jez having a fish supper at those times.?

      1. bushboy – Landcare, photography, music, poetry (of sorts), cooking, our environment, life on the land and making a difference where I can. MotoGP is my "boy" fix.
  3. Aletta – nowathome – Langebaan – Love creating, photography and travelling!

    Your Bear is so cute!
    I love dogs a lot, but don’t have any nowadays.

    1. Susan T. Braithwaite – Glasgow, Scotland – 📚 Scottish author who loves writing romantic suspense books filled with Sex, Lies, Scots & Spies that will make your heart race 💗
Explore the world of Scottish spies with me. I live in Scotland with my awesome husband, Jez (check out his photo and AI art fusion blog: jezbraithwaite.blog).​

      Thank you, Aletta! It’s difficult to get another pet once they’ve gone. We’ve not been able to do it either. ??

      1. Aletta – nowathome – Langebaan – Love creating, photography and travelling!
  4. Chris Hall – South Africa – Novelist, story writer, writer of just about anything for anyone!

    What a lovely name – Bear – she’s so sweet.

    1. Susan T. Braithwaite – Glasgow, Scotland – 📚 Scottish author who loves writing romantic suspense books filled with Sex, Lies, Scots & Spies that will make your heart race 💗
Explore the world of Scottish spies with me. I live in Scotland with my awesome husband, Jez (check out his photo and AI art fusion blog: jezbraithwaite.blog).​

      Thank you, Chris! She really was a sweet weirdo. ?

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