With summer’s dog days in full swing, the Statesboro Regional Library is tossing a bone to library visitors and their canine companions.
    The library’s community room is serving as a studio this week, where local photographers are producing portraits of dog owners alongside their furry friends.
    It began Monday and continues through Thursday, the library is playing host to its second annual “Hot Dog! Dog Portraits” program, inviting all humans — kids, teens and adults — and dogs to celebrate their bond with professional-quality photographs.
    “We hold this event after the summer reading program has ended, when we need something to end the doldrums of this hot, hot season,” said Lois Roberts, Director of Public Services at Statesboro Regional Library. “What we do, children and adults alike, is gather together and photograph dogs with their people.”
    The portraits are offered free of charge and are taken by appointment, said Roberts — walk-ins are also welcome. The “studio” is open from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, she said.
    According to Roberts, the many photographs will be part of a display in the library later this year — owners will also receive a copy.
    “In August, when kids have to say goodbye to summer and their dogs to go back to classes, we display the pictures at the library as a farewell to summer,” she said.
    Wednesday, Lewis, Libby and Hannah Kimball gathered in the library’s community room for a family portrait that included their newest and smallest relative – Jeff, a six-month old French Brittany, who made sure his family took multiple shots.
    “Last year’s program was very entertaining and colorful. We were sorry to miss it,” said Libby Kimball, the mother of the photogenic pup. “So we decided to try it out this year.”
    With Roberts wielding a camera, the group posed and smiled — though the young dog preferred play over his close-up — until they achieved a perfect shot.
    During the week, a group of local photographers will take turns assisting the program.
    Wednesday, Paula Johns, of Bella Vida Photography, had her turn behind the lens, working with Tip, a Border Collie, and a pair of Border Terriers, Wicked and Fennell.
    “I really enjoy working with animals,” said Johns. “The bond owners share with pets is really a special one.”
    “These photographs and memories are important to have,” she said. “Children will look back at the photos and remember these pets that are so important in their lives.”
    Roberts is hoping turnout — which, thus far, is down from a year ago — will improve during the next two days.
    It is an opportunity, she believes, that is too good to pass up.
    “There is indeed a bond between animals and their owners that is worth celebrating,” she said. And, “Who can resist their dogs?”
    Call (912) 764-1336 or (912) 764-1332 to make an appointment.
   
    Jeff Harrison can be reached at (912) 489-9454.