Yesterday after a full day of sessions at my studio, I walked out and saw this gentleman sitting across the street with his cat.  I was tired and had been at work for nearly 12 hours already.  For whatever reason, however, I had the sudden desire to take a portrait of them.  I’m not kidding when I say I sat in my car out front for nearly 10 minutes, trying to get up the courage to ask.  I’m not sure why; the worst thing he could say was “no.”
I got in my car and drove off.  About 10 blocks later, I saw my bank.  “JUST DO IT YOU CHICKEN ****.”  I pulled in, took out a few bucks as a gesture of good will, and headed back towards Mass Street.  A few minutes later, I ruffled up my feathers and just went for it.

If you know me, you know I LOVE black cats.  I used to have one and her name was Jessie.  Perhaps that is why I was so compelled to photograph them.

Anyhow, this is David.  David and Dude.  He was such a nice guy and Dude was the sweetest little cat.  Minutes earlier he had been climbing the nearest tree trying to get a bird.  When I walked up, David was sharing half of his chicken sandwich with his pet.   It made me well up a bit, remembering how crazy Jessie would get when I cooked chicken; she could have smelled it from across the street.

Dude is shoulder trained, and David explained how they go everywhere together.  I hope this portrait does them justice.