If Your Dog Had a Job, What Would It Be?

Have you ever watched your dog go about their day and thought, Wow, they’d be amazing at [insert random profession here]? Maybe your pup has a talent for sniffing out snacks from across the house, or perhaps they have a natural gift for spreading joy and lifting spirits. If dogs had to clock in at a job, what career path would your four-legged best friend take?

⭐ The CEO: Always in charge, always making the rules. If your dog demands the best seat on the couch, expects meals to be served on time (or else!), and struts around like they own the place, they’re the boss of the household—and they know it.

😋 The Food Critic: Some dogs will eat anything. Others turn up their nose unless their meal is prepared just so. If your pup gives you a look of sheer disappointment when you offer the “wrong” treat, they’d make an excellent (and very picky) food critic.

😴 The Professional Napper: If napping were a paid profession, some dogs would be millionaires. These pups have mastered the art of snoozing—on the couch, in a sunbeam, or curled up in your lap. Bonus points if they snore.

⚽ The Personal Trainer: Always ready for a walk, a run, or a game of fetch? These high-energy pups would thrive as personal trainers, making sure you stay active whether you’re up for it or not!

👩🏻‍⚕️ The Therapist: Some dogs just know when you need a cuddle or a little extra love. They’d make the best emotional support professionals, always ready to listen (without judgment) and comfort you with a wag and a nuzzle.

🔒 The Security Guard: No squirrel, delivery driver, or suspicious leaf goes unnoticed. These vigilant pups take their guarding duties very seriously—even if they’d roll over for belly rubs from an intruder.

So, what about your dog? What would their dream job be? Believe is definitely the Security Guard and Asher is a very enthusiastic Therapist, he may knock you out with his affection (that boy has a hard head, but he means well :-). Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear all about their “career aspirations”!

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Meet Rita—short for Margarita—the sweetest, most lovable Staffy-Lab-Boxer mix you’ll ever encounter. Originally from sunny Florida, this southern girl took on her winter portrait session like a total pro, proving that snow looks just as good on her as sunshine. With the snow-covered ground and the soft, neutral tones of the winter trees as our backdrop, Rita’s warm golden coat absolutely glowed, creating a striking contrast that made every portrait truly shine.

One of my favorite things about Rita (aside from her adorable name) is her expressive, wrinkly forehead. Whether she was gazing at her mom with those deep, soulful eyes or tilting her head in curiosity, her face told a story in every shot. Her playful energy and sweet nature made for the most heartwarming portraits—exactly what her mom wanted to capture. At just four years old, Rita has already faced some serious health challenges, making this session all the more meaningful. Her mom knew she wanted to freeze these moments in time—to celebrate Rita’s vibrant spirit and the love they share every single day.

And speaking of love, I was thrilled that Mom stepped in for some portraits too! There is something so special about capturing the deep connection between a dog and their person. These images radiate that bond – the shared laughter, the quiet moments of pure affection—it’s everything I hope to capture in a session.

While planning the session Rita’s Mom wanted a woodsy area to complement the natural wood tones in her home. So we chose the Steven’s Estate in North Andover as the perfect spot for her portrait session And when it came time to choose her artwork, Mom knew exactly what she wanted. She selected a stunning, dark wood framed print that fits beautifully with her home’s décor and matches the palette of Rita’s images. She then added a collection of digital files to preserve these memories forever. Now, every time she looks at Rita’s portraits, she’ll be reminded of this incredible day and the love they share.

This is exactly why I do what I do—because our time with our dogs is never long enough, but the memories we create can last a lifetime.

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Want to learn more about designing the perfect session for your pup. Click the button below to check out my Session Guide which covers all the de-tales you need to know.

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But isn’t every day around here Love Your Pet Day?

Of course it is 💖. But it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life—work, errands, endless to-do lists. But through it all, there’s one constant: our dogs. Their love is unwavering, their joy is infectious, and their presence makes even the hardest days a little brighter. They greet us with wagging tails and happy dances, snuggle up when we need comfort, and remind us, every single day, what unconditional love truly looks like.

National Love Your Pet Day (which happens to be February 20th this year) is the perfect reason to slow down and celebrate the incredible bond we share with them. Whether they’ve been by our side for years or are just beginning their journey with us, our dogs are family. And while we don’t need a special day to show them love, this is a beautiful opportunity to be intentional about making them feel extra special.

So, what would make your pet’s tail wag the hardest? A belly rub marathon? A new toy? An adventure somewhere new? However big or small, the time we spend with them is what truly matters. Here are some fun ways to make today all about them:

🐾 Bake (or buy) a special treat – If you love to cook, whip up a batch of homemade dog-friendly treats. Not the baking type? No shame in picking up something fancy from a doggie bakery!

🐾 Explore a new hiking spot – Okay, maybe not this week, when the world is a sheet of ice, but soon… A change of scenery can be exciting for both of you. Let them lead the way, take in the fresh air, and watch them revel in new smells and sights.

🐾 Take them on a pup cup road trip – Whether it’s a drive-thru treat or a doggie ice cream from a local shop, make it a little adventure just for them. Bonus points for rolling the windows down for those good sniffs!

🐾 Visit a dog-friendly brewery or café – Because nothing beats spending time with your pup and a good drink in hand.

🐾 Let them pick out a new toy – A trip to the pet store with free rein in the toy aisle? Yes, please! Watching them make a decision is half the fun.

🐾 Have a cozy movie night together – Snuggle up on the couch, grab the blankets, and let them pick the show (we all know they’d choose something with animals).

🐾 Donate to a shelter or rescue – Love multiplies when it’s shared. Honor your dog by helping others who are still waiting for a family of their own.

🐾 Give extra belly rubs, scratches, and cuddles – The simplest things are often the most meaningful.

🐾 Just be present – Put the phone down, take a break from emails, and soak in this time together. These moments are fleeting, and someday, they’ll be the memories we hold onto the tightest.

At the end of the day, our pets ask for so little but give us absolutely everything. Today is a reminder to appreciate the love, loyalty, and happiness they bring into our lives—not just today, but every single day.

So go ahead—spoil them a little extra. They deserve it. ❤️

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Want to help dogs in need of their own loving home? Apply to my charitable book project benefitting Great Dog Rescue New England. You’ll be supporting homeless dogs, have a chance to decorate your home with artwork of YOUR dog AND have your dog featured in a limited-edition hardcover book!

Photographing Your Senior Dog: Because “Too Late” Comes Too Soon

We always think we have more time. More walks, more snuggles, more days filled with the familiar sound of paws on the floor. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from photographing dogs for years, it’s this—our time with them is never long enough.

If you have an older dog, you already know—time moves way too fast. One day, they’re full of boundless energy, chasing every squirrel in sight, and the next, they’re slowing down, spending more time curled up next to you, content just to be close. Their gray muzzles and soulful eyes tell the story of a lifetime of love, and while we wish they could stay with us forever, the reality is that our time with them is never long enough.

I can’t tell you how often I hear, “I wish I had done this sooner.” People put off scheduling a session, thinking there will always be another season, another year. And then suddenly, time catches up, and they find themselves wishing for just one more perfect photograph of their best friend.

A Celebration of a Life Well-Loved

Older dogs have a magic all their own. Their wise, soulful eyes, their graying muzzles, the way they move a little slower but love just as fiercely. A session with your senior dog isn’t just about capturing what they look like—it’s about preserving who they are. The way they lean into you, the soft weight of their head on your lap, the moments of puppy-like joy that still shine through.

This isn’t about sadness—it’s about celebration. The life you’ve built together, the adventures you’ve shared, the quiet, unspoken bond that deepens with time.

Don’t Wait for “The Right Time”

One of the biggest hesitations I hear is, “I’ll book a session when…” When they’re feeling better. When the weather is nicer. When life slows down. The truth is, the right time is now. These moments—right here, right now—are the ones you’ll want to remember.

And trust me, you will never regret having these portraits. Whether it’s artwork on your walls, an album you flip through when you miss them most, or just knowing that you did take the time to celebrate them—it matters.

A Gentle, Comfortable Experience

If your senior dog has slowed down, no worries. Older dogs may need a little extra care, and I’m here to make the experience as easy and comfortable as possible for them. Here’s how I ensure their session is relaxed and stress-free:

• Priority Scheduling – Because I understand how time-sensitive these sessions can be, senior dogs always get priority on my calendar. I’ll do everything I can to schedule your session as soon as possible.
• Gentle, Relaxed Pacing – We go at your dog’s pace, allowing for breaks when needed. If they tire easily, we’ll keep the session short and sweet.
• Capturing Their Unique Personality – Whether they still have a spark of puppy energy or they’ve settled into a wise and dignified presence, we’ll highlight what makes them so special to you.

A Lasting Tribute to a Life Well-Loved

Your senior dog has been by your side through so much—offering unconditional love, companionship, and endless joy. A portrait session isn’t just about the photos; it’s about celebrating the incredible bond you share and creating something meaningful to cherish forever.

If you’ve been thinking about a session for your older dog, now is the time. Let’s capture their love, their spirit, and the way they look at you like you’re their whole world—because to them, you are.

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So if you’ve been thinking about a session for your beloved Senior Dog, take this as your sign. Let’s capture the love, the life, and the legacy of your incredible dog. Because one day, these images will mean everything. ❤️