I Know I Can Make You Smile

Artist: Carol Barona
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Card: US$3.99
Print: from US$17.10

I Know I Can Make You Smile

This photo of Dakota is for a challenge in Playful Photogenic Pets…”How has your pet made a difference in your life”. This was taken in my backyard in front of my waterfall.

My Gorgeous White Retriever

PLEASE VIEW LARGE!

I didn’t want another dog, why would I, I already have two Goldens – one blonde and one red, and a small zoo of other animals at home but when I heard Dakota’s story and how he was living his life, we went to see him. Dakota had some issues that kept him from being sold) so a crate until he was 18 months old (he had to be this age to be put in the run with the breeding males) was his future. When I met Dakota he was timid and scared of everything. I couldn’t resist the look in his eyes that begged me to take him home. When I brought Dakota home I had to drag him in my house (he had never been in a house let alone hear a tv set) and he immediately ran to the bathroom and hid. He slept in the bathroom for three weeks before he ventured out and started to sleep next to me on the floor. Each day was a new challenge for him and for me but because of Dakota I stopped working so many hours at work and at home and started taking more time to appreciate my surroundings and of course started thinking what new adventure we were going to take each weekend – I want Dakota to experience everything. Dakota has made such a difference in my life by showing me that a little love and patience has many wonderous returns. He now sleeps next to me on the bed and as you can see by this adorable face, he makes me Smile from the minute I wake up in the morning to the minute I go to bed. I thank God everyday to have been blessed with such a magnificent friend that has stepped into my life and heart and slowed me down enough to stop and appreciate the many wonderful things around me.

Dakota was 7 months old when he came home with me, he is now 1 year old!

Nikon D80
Lens 50-200mm
This photo was taken in my backyard

I Know I Can Make You Smile belongs to the following groups:

! 100% !, Accentuate The Eyes, All Around the Styles, All Out Emotion, All Pets Great and Small, All Soft and Cuddlies !!, All Things Poetic, Artistic, Philosophical, Animal Kingdom, Animal Portraits, Bits and Pieces , Buyers Club, Buyers R Us..., Cats and Dogs (1 artwork per day), Creative, Talented, and Unknown, Cutest of the Cute, Eye Contact (Animals Only), Freedom to Shine, Live, Love, Dream: , Mans Best Friend's (Dogs only), Mood & Ambience - Strictly Photos, Nude Pets - (2/24), Our K9 Friend 1 image a day (Dogs only), Outsiders, Paws n Claws <3 per day><Domestic cats & dogs only>, phoDOGraphy, Playful Photogenic Animals, PostCard Style (Describe your image please) Limit 2 per day), Put Out! or Get Out!!!, Rescued Pets, Respectful Retrievers, Safe Haven, Simply White Artwork Gallery - 95% White !, The true beauty, The Woman Photographer **7 Submissions a week only please**, TPW (3 PER DAY ONLY), Who are YOU to Judge? and You're Accepted Available for sale as

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I Know I Can Make You Smile by Carol Barona

Carol Barona
Margaret Shark

Yes, you can!
I can see why this fellow stole your heart. Wonderful image.
Carol Barona replied

Isn’t he the most beautiful boy! He did steal my heart…...every day! Thank you so much!
LjMaxx

Yes you did too.. :)))) Beautiful photography and gorgeous dog Carol~
Carol Barona replied

Thank you so much LJ – isn’t he gorgeous! He makes me smile everytime I look at him!
Jeff Palm Phot...

You sure can!! Adorable as always!
Carol Barona replied

Awww, Hi Jeff! Nice to see you! Thank you so much! Isn’t he just the cutest!
Anne-Marie Bok...

I can imagine that this look on his face is irresistible! He’s a beauty Carol!
Carol Barona replied

Isn’t he! No matter what he does – he always has this happy look on his face – makes me smile all the time! Thank you so much Anne!
PICMART

Aw gorgeous shot!
Carol Barona replied

Thanks so much! He makes gorgeous easy!
Mindy McGregor

Great capture, what a beautiful dog!
Carol Barona replied

Thank you so much Mindy!
DottieDees

What an amazing story Carol!! I am so proud you found him but more importantly I am glad he has you!!!!!!! Excuse I have to get a tissue!!
Carol Barona replied

You are so sweet. I get a tissue everytime I read it…I love him so much and am so happy I have him! Thank you so much
DottieDees

Oh, now I can see to type…lol! He is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carol Barona replied

lol, you are too funny – isn’t he so gorgeous! I keep looking at this happy face and it just makes me smile…he was so sad before! Thank you!
kathy s gillen...

lol, yes he did. Fantastic capture
Carol Barona replied

I am so glad! He makes me smile every day! Thank you!
P3T3

Dakota is lucky to have you, he’s a beautiful dog.Lovely photo and story.
Carol Barona replied

I feel lucky to have him! Thanks so much Pete! He has turned out to be a wonderful friend!
Ginny York

What a great shot of Dakota. I think he’s smiling too Carol. So happy to have such a wonderful loving and fun owner. :)) This is an awesome shot of him. Great detail and DOF! Your story is sad and wonderful all rolled into one. Good luck in the challenge!
Carol Barona replied

Thanks so much Ginny! He makes life so much fun! He is always smiling and being silly! He takes the stress out of any day! I am so blessed!
Kristy Dorris

What a great capture. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Carol Barona replied

I am thrilled to belong to this group. Thank you so much for your kind words Kristy!
Kate Adams

Amazing story Carol!!! – beautiful capture of that smiling face – good look to you both!!!
Carol Barona replied

Thanks so much Kate! Doesn’t he have the cutest smile! Always too, the expression never changes….and he is such a big boy – especially compared to my two petite girls…
Kate Adams

should read luck…
Carol Barona replied

I knew that Kate – thanks so much~!
Martina Fagan

A cracking portrait Carol:0)
Carol Barona replied

Aww thanks so much! Isnt’ he adorable!
Joanne Bradley

This is a beautiful shot of Dakota and such a heart warming story!
Carol Barona replied

Thanks so much Joanne! I am really glad you enjoyed it!
arvyart

The touching story… Beautiful Dakota! All together emit a pretty aura…
Carol Barona replied

Thank you so much – I really appreciate your kind words!
maxy

Oh he has me already smiling! What a cutie! That was some story too – he sure is a beautiful dog! Excellent shot – I can see the love in his eyes!
Carol Barona replied

Thank you so much Maxy! He is so wonderful! My eyes are filled with love for him too!
Victoria Sheldon

And that you did. I have a big smile on my face. Beautiful image and congrautlations on your feature.!!!
Carol Barona replied

Thanks so much Victoria! He makes me smile every time I look at him – you can not be upset around him! No feature on this one
Bill Gamblin

Carol…this is an awesome shot and congrats on the feature…bravo
Carol Barona replied

Thank you so much my friend! I appreciate it. It didn’t get a feature though – just a welcome banner.
rodsfotos

Who wouldn’t smile while looking at that lovely face, a wonderful portrait of your white retriever Carol, he looks full of fun and obviously much loved by his devoted owner, very well photographed,
Regards, Rod.
Carol Barona replied

Thanks so much Rod. I adore him. I miss him while I am at work – if I find myself having a stressfull day – I just log on to Red Bubble and look at his pictures…they totally make me smile! I am so lucky!
Neil Swenser

Beautiful story and such an adorable dog, lovely work Carol.
Carol Barona replied

Thank you so much Neil! I really appreciate it. He has made me enjoy every outing that we have taken – he is so full of life.
kjgordon

See How Life Is Good…..........
Carol Barona replied

hmmmm…that sounds like a good name for my painting…
“LIFE IS GOOD!”.....Thank you!
Bill Gamblin

well it deserves to be featured….
Carol Barona replied

Aww you are too kind!
Finbarr Reilly

A brilliant portrait:)
Carol Barona replied

Aww, thanks so much!
dougie1

how absolutely wonderful of you carol, you make an old heart so glad there are people like you in this rotten world!!xxx
Carol Barona replied

You are so sweet Dougie! You know it is funny because I feel so blessed to have him. I am truly thankful that I was given the opportunity to own such a wonderful animal. The smiles he brings are continuous and I love him so much!
kjgordon

;)
kjgordon

;)
Evita

Yes you made me smile…. wonderful capture Carol… he’s beautiful !!! :D
Carol Barona replied

Thanks so much Evita! Isn’t he gorgeous!
ej29

OMG!!! What a wonderful story Carol….I am so happy for you both…He is beautiful!!!
Carol Barona replied

Isn’t he gorgeous! OMG I love him so much! He is so full of life and everything he does just makes me smile! I can’t wait to go home at night to see him….lol…Thank you so much!
James Corley

Beautiful shot Carol!
Carol Barona replied

Thank you so much!
Brian Dodd

made me smile :-)
Carol Barona replied

I am so glad! He makes me smile every day!
Anne Gitto

Ahhhh so sweet, I can understand since my dog is such a great blessing in my life, enjoy.
Carol Barona replied

Thanks so much Anne!
Mindy Miller

Dakota is grinning from ear to ear and his eyes say alot! He adores you! He is so cute my friend!
Carol Barona replied

I adore him too! Thank you so much!
andreisky

Oh, it’s a great portrait and a great story! we both love them – Andrei & Ash
Carol Barona replied

Thank you so much! I am so far behind but I want you to know that I appreciate both of your comments!
andreisky

PS This world needs people like you, Carol
Carol Barona replied

I love him so much! He is a blessing to me!
Jan Timmons

Your story gave me chills, and I read to the end, hoping that Dakota stayed and is alive and well. What a bonus to find that you, too, have benefited from this beautiful retriever. I’m grateful every day that my two get me out to the mountains and into muddy, snowy and wild surroundings. Even early mornings, eh?
Good luck with the challenge. I’m not entering. I’ll vote for you.
Carol Barona replied

He is alive and well and I love him so much Jan! He is truly a blessing! Thanks for the vote! Lots of early mornings with him!
mlynnd

Carol, I am so glad you recused Dakota. His story belongs in the Rescused Pets group. He sure is a beautiful dog.
Carol Barona replied

I put him in the group! Thank you so much Lynn! I am so far behind again!
lorilee

What a sweet face!!!! A wonderful image!!!
Carol Barona replied

Isn’t he adorable Lori! Thank you so much!
Terri Chandler

He is absolutely beautiful Carol and your story brought tears to my eyes. I’m so glad you found each other. Huge hugs! xo
Carol Barona replied

He brings tears to my eyes everyday! I love him so much! He is the light of my life! I have two other goldens and I love them but neither has touched me like him! Thank you so much!
orapuntalalak

gorgeous ,so sweet :))
Carol Barona replied

Thank you so much!
shellbee

adorable
Carol Barona replied

thanks so much Shellbee!
Béla Török

What a gorgeous image of Dakota!
Carol Barona replied

Thank you so much Bela!
Edward Henzi

Your photo of Dakota made me smile. He’s a beauty and it’s a fine shot of him.
Your comments went right to my heart. Great photo and great story. Ed
Carol Barona replied

Thanks so much Ed! He is an awesome addition to my family!
SandyK

Carol, he is so beautiful and such a sweet face, your story is wonderful and I’m so happy for both of you that you took him home.
Carol Barona replied

I am so happy too! Thank you so much Sandy! He is a blessing to me!
Fern Design

So glad that you were able to rescue him!! this is a precious dog!!
Carol Barona replied

Isn’t he so beautiful! thank you so much!
Cheryl Lunde

What a gorgeous dog and a wonderful story, How lucky for you both!
Carol Barona replied

thank you so much Cheryl! I am soooooo lucky!
kenspics

Wow!!! Sure put a smile om my face Carol!!!
Not hard to tell that YOU have been truly blessed by the blessings you have given Dakota!!!
Carol Barona replied

I am so glad he made you smile! I smile everyday! Thank you so much!
Braedene

Don’t know how I missed this one Carol but Dakota’s story brought tears to my eyes. So glad you found him – I can’t stand cruelty to animals – he looks the picture of health and happiness now . So glad he means so much to you – how utterly wonderful. Superb pic and a wonderful heartwarming story.. Liz
Carol Barona replied

Thanks so much! He does mean the world to me!
cdudak

Carol I am so happy for you and Dakota, beautiful shot of him. He looks very happy.
Carol Barona replied

I am so happy too! thank you so much!
DonnaMoore

Congratulations Carol what a beautiful shot. Pretty dog.
Carol Barona replied

isn’t he gorgeous! I love him so much!
Thank you.
Fern Design
Carol Barona replied

that is so awesome – thank you so much!
riverotter

Congratulations on placing in the top 10 in the challenge! Awesome image! Best, Emily
Carol Barona replied

Thanks so much Emily! I appreciate it!
Glenna Walker

Dakota is both a beautiful and lucky dog to have walked into your life Carol, you are both blessed to have each other, sweet capture!!!!!!!!
Carol Barona replied

Isn’t he gorgeous! I feel so blessed to have him. He truly makes me smile everyday
Antanas

great capture…..
Carol Barona replied

thank you antanas
Brandie1

He is a beautiful dog.
I hate people who ae cruel to animals.
Thank God you came & rescued him.
Carol Barona replied

thank you so much – he is the light of my life!
kathy s gillen...

Fantastic capture
Carol Barona replied

thank you so much kathy
woof

yes he made me smile… for a long time!!! great story! ;)
Carol Barona replied

thanks so much woof – he makes me smile everyday!
Cheri Perry

Dakota is absolutely beautiful and I am so glad you came across him and rescued him. It is people like you we need in this world. Thank you so much.
Carol Barona replied

thank you so much cheri – I really appreciate it – he means the world to me – and he is so spoiled now!
Cheri Perry
Carol Barona replied

thank you so much – i am honored!
Carol Barona replied

Cheri thank you so much for your kind words. They made me cry!
Susanne Correa

Congratulations Carol, well deserved! please click on the above banner and take a look where we posted all the winners!
Carol Barona replied

I am so thrilled and honored – wow – what a surprise and I can not thank you enough. Thank you so much!
Lisawv

Beautiful portrait. He is so beautiful! His story is so sad but what a wonderful person you are to give him a home and all the love he needs and deserves. The two of you are very special.
Carol Barona replied

lisa – he is the most amazing friend – i know he appreciates it! i love him dearly! Thank you so much- i really appreciate it
sendao

Absolutly Stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carol Barona replied

awwwwww, thanks so much
RichardKlos

Excellent!!!
Carol Barona replied

thank you so much richard
Albert Sellaman
Carol Barona replied

thank you so much!
BigD

I love dogs and well done with the image
Carol Barona replied

thanks so much Big D – I really appreciate it
Ashley Collier

Oh I love Duh, he always makes me laugh.
Carol Barona replied

he is the silliest, isnt he! thanks my beautiful daughter
Rita Agostinelli

He’s got me smiling! :) Love the sweet little smile as his tongue peeks out! Very nice portrait..love the lighting of the day on him and the DoF! Sweet! :))
Carol Barona replied

Isnt he a doll! Everytime i see his picture i just want to go home and hug him! He makes me so happy! Thank you Rita for your kind words!
Rita Agostinelli

Love your story…you are blessed to have found Dakota…animals come into our lives at the most needed moments…as my little Maya has done for me! :)
Carol Barona replied

thanks for reading it rita! i really appreciate it!
Rita Agostinelli

Your welcome! Love your new avatar! Beautiful smile on a beautiful lady!! :))
Carol Barona replied

awwww, rita thank you so much!