Pet’s Place: ‘Star Wars’-Named Pup Steals the Couch
The Force, or at least the cuteness force, is definitely with BB the dog
Take one look into his big puppy eyes, and it’s not hard to see why BB is a beloved family pet.
Cozy on the couch: Like all of us, BB loves to be comfortable, and the family’s couch fits the bill. “Once he’s settled in, it’s very difficult to get him to want to move,” Andrew says.
The couch also gives him a vantage point for the action around the house. BB was adopted into a home with five kids (two of whom were also adopted), Hank the cat, Snow White the goat and Thomas the pony. It’s a busy household.
“Surprisingly, he’d rather watch than participate,” Andrew says. “That is, until a ball is involved. And then he will immediately join the fray.”
The couch also gives him a vantage point for the action around the house. BB was adopted into a home with five kids (two of whom were also adopted), Hank the cat, Snow White the goat and Thomas the pony. It’s a busy household.
“Surprisingly, he’d rather watch than participate,” Andrew says. “That is, until a ball is involved. And then he will immediately join the fray.”
On the job: Andrew works from home, and BB keeps him company until the kids come back from school. Most of the time, BB hangs out in the home office where he has a little crate, or “den” under Andrew’s desk. “But he much prefers it when I work on the couch or bed, where he can lay on my legs,” Andrew says.
The rest of the time, BB alternates between wrestling the cat, playing with toys and waiting for the workday to end.
The rest of the time, BB alternates between wrestling the cat, playing with toys and waiting for the workday to end.
Photo adventures: The duo ventures out to the canyon near their home, the lakeshore and downtown to take photos. “BB loves to model and is very good at doing exactly what is needed for all these tests,” Andrew says. These outings help Andrew and Denae learn about the equipment so they can take better professional portraits of people and pets, and also teach others on their YouTube channel how to use equipment.
Want advice on how to photograph your pet around the house or on walks? Check out this pet photography video that features BB and the story behind the photo above.
Want advice on how to photograph your pet around the house or on walks? Check out this pet photography video that features BB and the story behind the photo above.
Performing for the camera: While taking photos, Andrew gives BB commands, and he’s quick to obey. He stays when he needs to stay. He comes running when Andrew needs an action shot. “But he does not engage me with his eyes when I have not come prepared with his favorite treats,” Andrew says. “When I forget to bring along the treats and we start shooting, the shooting suffers.”
Back at home: While BB loves his adventures outside, he particularly enjoys curling up on the couch with Andrew and Denae, pictured here. “BB shows us how to relax,” Andrew says.
Read more stories about pets at home
Read more stories about pets at home
Pet at a Glance
Pet: BB, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Age: 18 months
Location: Highland, Utah
Owners: Andrew Branch, a photographer and product designer at Rev, and Denae Branch, a photographer and designer
Meet BB: He’s a real dog, not a droid from Star Wars as his name and costume would suggest. But BB, named after BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, may be just as cute and helpful as his namesake.
He’s a quiet pup who doesn’t need to be the center of attention. Instead, he tags along and is ready to help if you need him. This personality trait comes in handy when his dad, Andrew, needs to test photo equipment.