As pet lovers, we are blessed to share our lives with furry companions who bring boundless joy, love, and loyalty. While every stage of our dog’s life is precious, there’s a unique magic that radiates from a senior dog—the gentle grays around their muzzle, the wisdom in their eyes and the deep bond that time has forged. Beautiful Daisy here was 18 years old during her session. Her mom was 21, which means she had literally shared almost her entire life with Daisy. What a gift 💖.

Moments Fleeting, Love Eternal

Our senior dogs are truly priceless. With age comes a special kind of beauty and charm. Their personalities are fully developed and their quirks and habits are endearing reminders of the years spent together. And everything from leisurely strolls to heartwarming cuddles on the couch is a precious treasure.

As much as we wish our beloved companions could stay by our side forever, the reality is that their time with us is so heartbreakingly limited. Having just lost my beloved Border Collie, Twister, I know all too well the heartache when our constant companions leave us. Twister’s “fancy” agility champion name was ADCH Bronze, LAA Bronze Talisman’s Force of Nature. But above any ribbons and titles he was my best friend, my constant companion, my shadow. He was literally never more than an arms-length away from me.

He has been gone for 3 months now and I miss him every day. I miss his sweet presence, beautiful smile and his joy in everything he did. The house is painfully empty without him. But thankfully I have the countless photographs I took to capture our days together. These images make me smile and remind me of the wonderful bond we shared. And the artwork I have in my home of my sweet Twister has become a source of comfort and a celebration of a life well-lived.

Remember to Capture the Everyday Moments

That’s why I want all of you to take LOTS of photographs of your dogs🐶. Cherish and capture all their wonderful quirks and the love that shines in their eyes when they look at you! And then don’t just leave them to languish on your phone or in the depths of your computer. Print them out, make a photo book, create something tangible that you can see and enjoy every day. Because in the end, these photographs become more than just images—they become timeless testaments to a love that transcends time itself 💕.

Now maybe you’re struggling to capture the types of images you want. Or you want images of you and your dog together to celebrate your bond. Even as a professional pet photographer, my dogs have always been my toughest subjects😊. That’s why I want to offer the services of professional pet photographers to help you preserve these moments.

Through the lens of a professional dog photographer, the unique personality of your senior dog is captured in every glance, every wag of the tail and every soulful expression. These images will tell the story of a life filled with love, companionship, and shared experiences. These photographs become more than just images—they become timeless testaments to a love that will never end.

I Would Be Honored to Create Portraits of Your Senior Dog

I always feel incredibly honored when someone contacts me to photograph their senior pet. It’s a privilege to photograph dogs at this stage of their life. That’s why these sessions are very special to me. Senior dogs are given priority scheduling and I make any accomodations needed to assure the dog’s comfort and respect any physical limitations they may have.

The best piece of advice I can offer, if you’re considering a professional portrait session, is to schedule NOW. None of us can know what tomorrow or next week or next month may bring. . My Twister was only 10.5 when he passed and while I knew it was coming, it was still much too soon. And it breaks my heart when I meet people and they tell me about the dogs they’ve loved in the past and how much they wish they had more or better photographs to remember them by.

As the years pass with our special senior dogs, their companionship becomes more and more meaningful. As they age, their presence becomes priceless. Capturing these moments is essential. The images of these days hold memories, experiences, and the love that defines their lives. In a photo, their story is saved, reminding us that their time is short but their influence is lasting – a tribute to the bond we’ll always share.

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Would you like to read about keeping your Senior Dog happy and healthy, click here for a blog on that very subject.

I’d love to hear about your special senior dogs. Please share their stories and photographs on my Facebook or Instagram page 💖

Welcome to the wild, wiggly, and wonderfully chaotic world of puppy parenthood. You’ve decided to dive headfirst into the land of wagging tails, floppy ears, and slobbery kisses. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. In addition to being a pet photographer, I have 20+ years training puppies to be beloved family members. Here are my top five no-nonsense tips to help you survive and thrive during those first few puppy-filled months.

Yes, that adorable puppy ⬇⬇ is mine. This is just a portion of what a young puppy left out of a crate can accomplish in a short period of time…. In my defense, I did put him in his crate, I just apparently forgot to latch the door 😭. Thankfully he didn’t get into anything dangerous, there was just a LOT of cleanup. Which brings me to tip #1 below.

1. Crate Training: Your Pup’s Cozy Den

Let’s talk about crate training—a game-changer for both you and your pup. Picture it as your pup’s personal den—a safe space where they can retreat, rest, and recharge. While some might think it’s like sending them to puppy jail, it’s actually a tool for structure and comfort.

Why It Matters

It’s their safe haven. Dogs are den animals, so a crate becomes their natural den. It’s a spot where they can escape from the hustle and bustle when life gets busy.

It makes potty training 1000x easier. Puppies avoid soiling their living area, so a properly sized crate can help puppies learn to “hold it”. This helps minimize accidents. And when you take them out to do their business after leaving the crate, and they’ll quickly catch on.

It gives you peace of mind when they’re home alone (remember what that kid got into in the movie….) When you’re away, a crate ensures your pup’s safety. No unexpected surprises for you when you return, and no accidental destruction or potential injuries for them.

Crate-trained pups make traveling and any vet stays less stressful. They have a familiar space on the road and won’t have their first crate experience be when they’re sick or injured at the vet.

Remember, crate training isn’t about locking your pup away—it’s about providing a secure space for them to call their own. Done right, it’s a valuable tool for their safety, your sanity, and their overall happiness. And it will make all the following challenges easier 😊

2. Embrace the Chewmageddon: Channel It, Don’t Fight It

Let’s cut to the chase: puppies chew. A lot. Your furniture, your shoes, that important paper you thought was out of reach—it’s all fair game. No object is safe from their tiny, razor-sharp teeth. Instead of pulling out your hair (or what’s left of it), the key here is management. Keeping your puppy safely confined when you can’t watch them (see Crate Training 101 above) and invest in LOTS of puppy-safe chew toys. These little lifesavers will keep your pup’s dental health in check while saving your valuables from becoming their next midnight snack.

3. Potty Training: Where Accidents Happen… Everywhere

Ah, the magical world of potty training. Just as babies take time (YEARS in their case) to potty train, so do puppies (not years, thankfully). Yes, accidents will happen, LOTS of them. No, your pup isn’t trying to make your life miserable. Puppies physically can’t “hold it” for very long. Their bladders are small and their muscles aren’t fully developed yet.

Be vigilant, schedule regular potty breaks, and celebrate when they finally do their business outside. When you catch them mid-accident, don’t freak out. Just scoop them up, take them outside and reward them handsomely for going in the right place. Then make sure you clean up any accidents with an enzyme cleaner from the pet store so your puppy doesn’t get confused and go back to that spot as an alternative potty 🧻.

4. Socialization: Your Pup’s Passport to the World

What is socialization? Simply put, it’s introducing them to the world around them. The people, places and experiences in this big world of ours that they may not have experienced before. Sounds, like sirens or vacuum cleaners. Objects, like umbrellas or strollers. Encounters, like bicycles or people wearing hats. Show them it’s all part of life.

Early positive exposure to various sights, sounds, and situations helps your pup become more confident and less likely to develop fears or aggression later on. But it has to be done right! Which means at their pace! Your puppy needs to be happy and excited by these new experiences or you can actually make your puppy more fearful. So go slow. Take it at your pup’s pace. Always make it positive, using treats and praise to make these experiences happy ones. If they’re overwhelmed, back off and try again later. Remember, socialization is about building positive associations, not pushing them into discomfort.

Embrace this adventure of showing your pup the world, and you’ll reap the rewards of a confident, well-behaved, and utterly charming four-legged friend.

5. Training: Treats, Tricks, and Tons of Patience

Enrolling your puppy in a positive reinforcement-based puppy class can be a vital source of support on your journey with your puppy. We’ll help you teach your pup the basics—including the essential “leave it” (for your puppy who’s into everything all the time). As well as identify and help you solve any struggles your puppy may be having.

In my classes we use clicker training to teach all the basic cues along with a puppy play time to help with their socialization and play skills. Just remember to do your research and sit in on a class before you enroll to ensure they’re using science-based positive training techniques and not any methods that are harsh or heavy-handed.

You can search for positive trainers in your area here.

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There you have it, new pup parents! Remember, every puppy is a unique ball of energy and fluff, so go easy on yourself. With a healthy dose of patience, a sprinkle of humor, and the ability to find joy in the midst of chewed-up shoes, you’ll be a pup parent extraordinaire in no time. So buckle up, enjoy the ride, and get ready for a lifetime of unconditional love and unlimited belly rubs. Woof, you’ve got this! 🐾

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Would you like to read more about PUPPIES?!? Of course, you would check out this blog where Charlotte NC dog photographer Kim Hollis of BARKography talks about her love of photographing puppies. https://barkography.com/blog/i-love-photographing-puppies

The memories we capture will keep you warm all winter.

Imagine the scene – it’s a beautiful cool morning, with blue skies and white puffy clouds. A field of summer wildflowers and a stunning husky. All the elements for the perfect summer portrait session. But first Zoey decided we all needed a good laugh and went into huntress mode and hopped and pounced (unsuccessfully) on unseen critters all over the field. She was so happy! I absolutely 💖 huskies, they have such a wicked sense of humor. Thankfully, once Zoey had cleared the area of any menacing chipmunks she was ready to rock her portrait session!

Zoey’s Mom knew that now is the ideal moment to capture beautiful summer portraits of your best pup! The crazy rain has stopped (for the moment) and left us with absolutely lush green everywhere. Add in blooming wildflowers (the black eyed susans are stunning right now) and we have a fantastic backdrop for creating stunning images. Imagine seeing a image like this of your dog on your wall every day. How could that not bring a smile to your face 😊

Summer portraits are all about these fun, outdoor adventures. Your pup can run freely, splash around in ponds and streams, and be their true, happy self. All safely on a long leash, if the law and your dog’s personality require . And with my Photoshop magic no one will ever know they weren’t running wild and free. These photos will be like little memory capsules of all the fun times you’ve shared under the sun.

But remember, summer’s a short and sweet season. Those wildflowers🌻 won’t bloom forever, and the golden hour light is here only for a while. So, let’s not wait! Drop me a message, and together, we’ll plan a photo session that your dog will love and that will give you priceless artwork to treasure. Your pet’s summer adventure awaits! 🌞🐾

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