Chapter 37 - HoB Models
Enzo and Merlot looked out the window. The leaves were turning a brilliant gold and red. The sky was ice blue. The air was crisp. Fall had arrived. Holiday season would soon be here. That meant it was time for Dad to prepare for rabbit holiday portraits.
Every year, Dad took holiday portraits of rabbits as a fundraiser for The Rabbit Haven rabbit rescue. The event had become so popular that it sold out in less than fourteen hours. Enzo, Merlot, and Bentley were all “alumini” of The Rabbit Haven. They literally owed their lives to Heather’s rescue efforts, so Dad liked to support The Rabbit Haven.
To change things up this year, Dad decided to offer a fall outdoor scene instead of the usual winter scene. He thought the warm fall colors would make a nice backdrop. Of course, he also offered a cozy Christmas fireplace scene for those who needed a Christmas card photo.
A month before, Dad ordered custom-printed backdrops. Once they arrived, he purchased props like pumpkins, a wooden crate, miniature hay bales, plastic colored leaves, Christmas boxes, and stockings to decorate the “sets.” It was time to test the sets to see if they’d work the way he had envisioned. He needed some models!
Enzo and Merlot looked up as Dad came into the room and announced, “OK, guys. I need some models!” Enzo was game. He always liked to model for Dad. Merlot was more shy. She watched as Dad carried Enzo over to the Christmas set. Merlot thought, “Well, I guess if Enzo can do it, so can I.” She let Dad pick her up and place her on the set with Enzo.
“What is this place?” asked Merlot. Enzo, who had been around the block a few times, explained, “Dis da set. Dad likes to take our pitures.” Being curious rabbits, they went about exploring the set while Dad snapped away.
After about fifteen minutes, Dad was done. “OK, guys, we’re done. You did good!” Since Merlot was less excited about being a model, he let her go back to the living room and placed Enzo on the Christmas set amongst the gift boxes and Christmas stocking. Dad said, “Just pretend it’s Christmas!”
Enzo explored the stocking filled with rabbit toys from Small Pet Select. “OK, Enzo, give me your best guilty look, like you just got busted pulling down the stocking,” directed Dad. Enzo flashed his pretty blue eyes at the camera. “Perfect!” said Dad.
Enzo was such a pro that in just a few minutes, the photoshoot was over. “OK, you’re done. Good job, Enzo!” said Dad as he carried him back to the living room. Enzo ran over and joined Merlot. “We help Dad!” he said to Merlot. The two went back to looking out the window.
Dad looked through the photos. They were exactly what he wanted. With Enzo’s and Merlot’s help, he was ready for the portrait sessions!
Enzo and Merlot help Dad test the sets for his upcoming holiday portrait sessions.
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