Animal portrait is like fishing, in a way.
In taking pictures of animals I've learned how to deal with them, and how to patiently go over and over again after each new shot.
I got involved in the project of calendars and agendas with animal pictures by Editrice Castalia - Torino - Italy, in the end of last century and enjoyed the experience quite a bit.
No Photoshop, but the picture was staged, I have to admit