Name: Bowser VONschmalhausen Longino - 2.5 y/o
Family Members: Andrew & Shellie
How long has Bowser been in the family? 2 years, 3 months
Professions: Vocals for Andrew and The Disapyramids & Program Manager at Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
Location: Castleberry Hill - Downtown Atlanta
Nicknames: BowBow, Bowsie, BoBo, Cocoa Puff, Mr. Grunt Grunt, Snuggle Bunny, Boopsie, Boopsie Doodle
5 words that best describe Bowser:
- Loving
- Sweet
- Friendly
- Goofy
- Playful
What makes Bowser unique? Bowser's "wiggle-butt shake" is the cutest thing ever! There are times when we play tug that Bowser will break away and then shake his whole body - tippy nose to tippy tail, ending with the HUGEST smile on his face.
Bowser the urban dweller!
Rescue Story: A little over two years ago, a small puppy with light brown eyes and a big heart was found wandering the streets for Grant Park. He was all by himself, and when a friend (later to be known as "The Godfather") opened his car door for him - this smart little pup hopped right in, looking to be saved and desperately looking to be loved.
Two days later, this pup was dropped off at our downtown loft in Castleberry Hill. Andrew took one look at this little guy and dubbed him Bowser. His namesakes are Bowser from Mario Bros. and Bowser from Shanana. He's sweet, goofy, loves to cuddle and chase his friends. Bowser's kisses are as legendary as his farts, and people are drawn to his friendly nature. Bowser has truly been the heart and soul of our lives since that lucky October day. He's our kid!!
Baby Bowser
What is your favorite pastime as a family? Shellie loves when Bowser hops in the bed and curls under the covers at her feet. We call it "tuck-tuck" time. Andrew and Bowser can always be seen around the neighborhood taking walks and sniffing all the trees. (Bowser sniffs, Andrew's a patient dad)
As a family, we love brunching together at the dog-friendly patios around town! Noni's on Edgewood, Brewhouse in L5P, Midway Pub in East Atlanta Village and Smoke Ring in Castleberry Hill are our favorites!
What is life like since you rescued Bowser? Amazing!!! Bowser completes us a family, we always try to have someone home with him and think about his well-being 24/7. Coming home to Bowser's excited tail wags is the best thing ever!
We're very committed to using our resources and volunteering our time for pit bulls. Last year, Shellie planned a fundraiser for Bullseye Rescue called Pit Bulls and Poodle Skirts. There was 50s/60s music featuring Andrew's band, pit bull inspired art and a pin up contest. It was so much fun and all the proceeds went to Bullseye Rescue to support their amazing community efforts. Pit Bulls and Poodle Skirts will be back in 2016!
Photographers Note: This was such a fun shoot for me, not only did I have a family that was used to getting their photos taken and required zero direction from the photographer, but we also walked around their fantastic neighborhood (which is a photographers dream), looking for the best backdrops for their family photo. I had so many great shots, that it was really hard to choose just one.
Now this sweet muffin named Bowser...he was such a good boy. We started with him draining a little energy in his local dog park, which was so great to see that they have this resource right in the middle of a very urban area. Bowser is definitely in the top 5 of posers for this project. He would just sit stock still and adjust his head when you moved the treat, one squeeze of the squeaker dog toy I keep handy and a perfect shot complete with head tilt. A short break in the action and the photographer gets a reward with a little attention from this pretty boy. Just perfection.....