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Elias Weiss Friedman, aka The Dogist, photographing adoptable pup Petunia from the Little Guild at Troutbeck.
Leila Hawken
A best-selling author, Friedman brought along his latest book, “This Dog Will Change Your Life,” that was greeted with brisk sales and the chance to obtain a signed copy. His Instagram postings have amassed a loyal following of more than 11 million and growing. To date, he has photographed more than 50,000 dogs.
“Dogs complete every aspect of human life,” said Charlie Champalimaud, Troutbeck owner, who served as interviewer for the event. “I just love dogs, and I’m very excited to see people come together,” she added. Her own family dog, Rocky, accompanied her and charmed the audience with exemplary behavior.
“I’ve been following you for years,” said Priscilla McCord of Lakeville, speaking with Friedman before the event began. McCord also serves as a board member at The Little Guild.
“You are an artist and storyteller,” said Champalimaud, introducing Friedman to the audience of more than 100 dog lovers gathered in Troutbeck’s pole barn.
Elias Weiss Friedman signing books after his talk.Leila Hawken
Friedman said he has been developing The Dogist concept and brand for the past 11 years.
“I had an understanding of the cultural phenomenon of dogs,” he said. “Dogs are a source of joy. I wanted to write about that,” he added, noting that dogs are also hilarious.
“I was a shy kid with a dog,” Friedman recalled. “Dogs are generous with their eye contact.”
“I’ve moved the needle a bit in how we appreciate our dogs,” he said of his role as The Dogist. Over the years, his work has included helping dogs find homes or receive service dog training.
Asked about recent advances in artificial intelligence in learning to communicate with animals — particularly current research into communicating with whales — Friedman noted that we already communicate with dogs, though often through our own ego. “There is no shortage of communication,” he said.
He added that some dog owners might not want to know their dogs’ honest opinions about their circumstances or lifestyles.
Looking ahead, Friedman will be international in scope, exploring how different cultures view their relationships with dogs. He expects to find meaningful differences and insights across borders.
Next in the Luminary series at Troutbeck will be a talk by Mark Ronson on Sunday, Sept. 7. He will speak about his book, “Night People,” pairing the talk with a DJ session. For more information, go to www.troutbeck.com.
Landon Cooper calculates a putt in the match against Lakeview Aug. 21.
Simon Markow
HVRHS coach Peter Vermilyea was thrilled to see his team tee off for the first time this season.
Daniel Moran represents Housatonic Valley Regional High School in the season-opening golf match against Lakeview High School in Litchfield Thursday, Aug. 21. Simon Markow
Litchfield coach Robert Gollow said the rain from the day prior would not affect players. “Being the first rain of August, the grass soaked right in. It shouldn’t affect them.”
It was about 67 degrees at tee time, cloudy with calm wind.
As the game went on, the wind died down and the sun peaked out, heating up the air as well as the game while the sun went down in the afternoon.
Moran led HVRHS with a score of 48. Jonas Johnson, below, shot 53.Simon Markow
Lakeview won the meet with a team score of 183 to HVRHS’s 225. Player scores from the meet will contribute to the season totals for state rankings.
Lakeview’s Ryan Blasavage led with a score of 40. Julian Salvietti shot 45, Connor Aldrich 49 and Chase Reynolds 49.
HVRHS was led by Daniel Moran who shot a 48. Jonas Johnson shot 53, Jacoby Reeve 60 and Ava Humes 64.
