Thank you.

Thank you, Olga.

No disrespect intended, Author. Its just highly unusual to be taken to another website for viewing as most sites like this one prohibit such actions. Good luck on your fine entry.

Thanks for the comments Olga.
Regarding the crop, this was a single, candid shot taken from >100m and I was seated in a beach chair. I had to sacrifice the paw tip as the owners foot was in the frame. Never an ideal condition when shooting on the fly and sometimes you work with what ya got. I really liked the "story" and its potential so...I worked with it.
Glad you like it.

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.

Yup!
Cyber-Gremlins seem to be at work. (Spambots??)
I did send a query to Staaan but have not yet received a response.

Staaan,
Something funny about Springtime in Toronto post. If you click on photo for enlargement, it takes you to another website. HACKED???????

Hmmm Stranger still, when I click on the image for a larger view, it takes me to another website (with this photo.) How does that happen???

Very cool effect!
Wall worthy image.
Good luck, Artist.

See below

Thanks for your interest.
I use a bridge camera these days and while it has manual setting capabilities, I often shoot in auto mode. The settings for the original shot were f 2.8 @ 1/160s iso 800. The camera also has onboard filters though I rarely use them as I prefer to tweek images in post with a variety of apps on my laptop. Basic adjustments are done using Picassa 3 (a now discontinued Google app.) I have a fondness for the artistic approach to photography and sometimes my photos are treated to alterations that may suit (or not) an image. Especially effective for abstract art (My fav)
For this photo, I used a filter app called Painnt. I'll search through the filters in search of one that best enhances a photo's composition and pleases my eye. I may then tweek it further for the final work. It can be tedious and sometimes never works but when it does its really satisfying.
These post production apps offer a huge range of adjustment capabilities and image alteration for unique custom images that start with a decent photo. These works can make great large scale canvas wall hangings.
Most purists hate it but I like expanding the creativity offered.
Cheers!

Thanks, Olga.
B/W was a consideration but chose the color pop over monochrome.

Spectacular capture!!
Well composed, perfectly exposed.
Great job, Artist.

Masterfully lit and Beautifully presented.
My Fav.
Awesome job Artist!