Q: Was Rufus a real dog?
A: Rufus really was a real golden retriever that I adopted from the shelter. I was fortunate to have known him for almost five years.

Q: Did Rufus really take all of his own pictures?
A: Yes, in a manner of speaking. Even though I was the one that triggered the shutter, Rufus was the one that found all of the subjects to shoot. I could have never taken these photographs by myself.

Q: It seems as if you could have placed the camera low to the ground and taken these shots; why do you say you couldn't have taken them?
A: Even though I could have lowered a camera close to the ground, a human photographer cannot capture the kind of subjects Rufus did as a dog. A dog will not look at you straight in the eye long enough for you to snap a photo. Try it and see. It is difficult to get that close.

Q: What about a telephoto lens?
A: That gets you closer, but you won't capture the "feeling" of their expressions.

Q: How was it done?
A: With a custom designed, lightweight harness that I built for Rufus to hold the camera steady while he walked. I first used a cable release attached to the camera, then later developed a radio controlled shutter for it. Rufus had the kind of personality that attracted other dogs, girls, curious passers-by; we were never short on interesting people and places to shoot.

Q: What kind of camera did Rufus use?
A: A Canon Rebel 2000, 28mm lens and Fuji Provia film.

Q: How many pictures did you take with Rufus?
A: We took over 700 photos over 4 years or so. Don't forget, Rufus was a very old dog, so I didn't want to tire him out; although he always seemed to enjoy going out.

Q: How did you get the idea for this book?
A: The cover photograph is what started it all. We did it as a joke, but when I showed it to a photographer friend of mine, he suggested that I do it for real. I didn't take him seriously at first, but he kept on asking me whether I had started to take pictures with Rufus yet, and eventually I gave in to his pestering me. It became such a fun outing for Rufus and I, that we continued doing it for years.

Q: Can I teach my dog how to take photographs, too?
A: Yes, but it is not easy. Bigger dogs are better because they are high enough off the ground and better able to support a camera. Older dogs are more suited because they tend to be calmer and easier to handle.