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by Lysergo Harrison
Standing 7.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing in at 5 pounds, you would not expect Louisville resident Shakey Ray Rogers to be a heavyweight in the international stock photography game - but she is.
“The shot of Shakey Ray on the skateboard is being used all over the world,” says Shakey’s caretaker Chris Rogers. “She’s even on a billboard in Japan!”
When I note that the 10 year old Chihuahua, star of the 2008 Shop Louisville campaign, is an unlikely candidate for a hemisphere-hopping model, Chris corrects me.“Supermodel, Chris laughs, Shakey Ray is a supermodel.”
Absolute Louisville
Shakey Ray, whose name is a conjunction of photographer Man Ray and a perpetually trembly constitution, lives by Louisville Middle School with caretakers (not owners, this is Boulder County) Terry Maker and Chris Rogers. Terry is a fine artist whose work is currently being exhibited at the Robischon Gallery in Denver. Chris is an industrial designer who shoots photos on the side, including the amazing shot of Shakey Ray on the skateboard.
Chris and Terry rescued Shakey Ray from the Humane Society in 2000 and added her to their family which now includes Oliver, a Pomeranian, Scrubby, a poodle mix, and Pappy the cat.
During my visit Shakey Ray seemed unusually humble, especially for a Supermodel, but according to Terry it was all an act,“ Shakey Ray is totally the alpha dog in this house.”
Out on the Town with Shakey Ray
Look for Shakey Ray to make an appearance or two at the Street Faire this summer. You can bet she'll be shakin’ it with the subdudes.
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Chris and Terry at home on LaFarge Street with Shakey and the gang. Note the “we are not worthy” posture of Shakey Ray’s siblings in the presence of the Supermodel.
Industrial designer Chris made the helmet that Shakey wears in the famous photo. It has recently been painted orange.
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