Sorry I’ve been away from the challenge for a couple of weeks. Lots of travel and lots happening in our lives right now. But, am back with this week’s 52  Snapshots of Life photo challenge’s week 46 topic – Veteran. I’ve also included a shot I took of Sophie, depicting Fall from last week.

The shot of Sophie, depicting Fall I shot today, in my makeshift studio with some fall-inspired things I’d purchased. I love these colors and that they have a bit of sparkle (give me a little bling and I’m a happy girl!).

The veteran shot was taken impromptu on a morning walk. I thought Jasper was looking especially dignified that day, and we passed by a house with an American flag outside. I took the picture and he is looking positively regal standing next to it, don’t you think?

Today, in light of what’s just happened in Paris, there’s a sadness attached to this photo. I love living in America and yet, it’s such a scary time we live in. No where is safe, really. We count our blessings every day. Sending hope and prayers to all those in Paris and all those who’ve lost someone they care about in Paris on Friday night. We hurt for you.

Thanking all of the veterans, human and canine, who sacrifice and some who’ve given their lives to protect our freedom. Bless you all.

Pet blogging friend and colleague, Christina Berry of The Lazy Pitbull, created this fun challenge. You don’t have to be a blogger to participate. Just snap or choose a pic you’ve taken that matches that week’s theme and post it on your social networks, with the hashtag #52Snapshots, so we can all follow along! For pet bloggers, this is a BlogHop, so hop on!