Jamie Murnane

Nacho, a spunky brown Yorkie, runs around Urban OutSitters' lower level--barking cordially as people walk through the door. His owner, Russ, is handed a 4 x 6 print shot by photographer Bob Kessler of Nacho and something that looks not unlike a mall Easter Bunny. But this is the doggy daycare's newest mascot: 6-foot tall Wendell D. Rabbit. And Nacho, along with a plethora of other Urban OutSitters' clients, has just taken part in the first annual "Hop Along Tails," a pet portraiture event.

The "studio" has been transformed into a spring milieu, complete with lush, leafy plants, a stone walkway, ferns and a small trickling waterfall. The elaborate backdrop surrounding Wendell D. Rabbit confirms this is far from a suburban mall photo shoot.

Shop owners Joseph Giannini and Tommy Spinosa walk around the spring wonderland clad in pale green shirts and black overalls, awaiting clients to arrive. Giannini says the event, which is not the first portrait event they've held, but the first spring-themed, is "a way for people to really bond with their pets."

This being the first day of the weekend event and also the day of Chicago's downtown St. Patrick's Day parade, there's some downtime between shots. Wendell D. Rabbit takes its head off for some air in-between clients, who have so far, been mostly dogs. "We'll do any pet," Giannini says. "Some guy even called earlier to ask if we'd do a snake." He turns to Chris, the woman inside the custom-made rabbit suit. "You'll do a snake, right Chris?" She smiles nervously. Just then, two new K-9 clients arrive.

(2005-03-15)

Also by Jamie Murnane

Tip of the Week
Margaret Cho has been notorious
(2005-03-08)

Beaning Christopher Walken
Christopher. Walken. Has a, peculiar. Way? Of Speaking
(2005-02-22)

Feeling Ernest
On a hot and sticky Labor Day weekend at the lakefront, the folks at Clairol Natural Instincts couldn't think of a better time to sit on plastic mats in the grass and do yoga
(2004-09-08)

Indisposable cameras
Resembling average club goers, this group of five is comprised of artists and activists from Inner City Light
(2004-08-31)

Still curious
(2004-08-25)

'Do it
(2004-08-03)

The Naked City
(2004-07-20)

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