Some pups show up ready for their close-up, and Romeo was *that* dog from the moment he hopped out of the car. This adorable Frenchie knew he was a supermodel and I was along for the ride.

He’s just a year old, a charming little Frenchie with a big personality and an even bigger heart. His mom adopted him this past June after he made his way up from Texas through Sandy Paws Rescue, and you can tell he knows he hit the jackpot. Romeo adores people, other dogs, toys – truly, anyone or anything willing to admire him. And honestly? He deserves every bit of it.

Our session at Wingaersheek Beach was nonstop joy. Romeo ran full tilt across the sand, launched himself off tiny dunes, proudly chased his shark toy, and soaked up all the love and snuggles from his mom. And then, as the sun started to set and the sky turned those beautiful soft colors, he settled right in and gave me the sweetest poses among the rocks and tidal pools.

He’s playful, loving, expressive, and just an all-around delight. I can’t imagine who gave this dog up, but they don’t know what they’re missing!

Spending the evening with Romeo felt less like work and more like hanging out with a very small, very enthusiastic friend who just happens to be a secret supermodel.

Warmly,

Donna

DonnaKelliher.com ~ Pet Photography for the best loved dogs of Greater Boston, the North Shore and beyond.

Because YOUR dog isn’t “just a dog”

It was the kind of fall day with golden light, crisp air, and just enough fall color to make you want to stay outside forever. Marisa and Philip chauffeured their girls, Pepper and Sanya to Hopkinton State Park on this beautiful October afternoon for their portrait session. Pepper and Sanya are both rescues, adopted as puppies, and you can feel how deeply they are loved.

Pepper, a 4-year-old ACD mix, is pure enthusiasm. She’s all about the next adventure, the next trail, and the next person who might be willing to share their lunch. An avid hiker, Pepper is well on her way to conquering all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers with Philip. And if her happy trot is any indication, she wouldn’t complain if a few more adventures found their way onto the list

Sanya, a 4-year-old German Shepherd, brings a softer, thoughtful energy to the pair. She’s tuned in, gentle, and deeply connected to her people. While Pepper is ready to charge ahead, Sanya is happiest knowing everyone is together and things are just as they should be.

The afternoon was filled with exploring the trails, wading in the lake and plenty of breaks for treats and love. Pepper did her thing, Sanya did hers, and Marisa and Philip soaked in the moment with their girls. It was relaxed, playful, and exactly how sessions are meant to feel.

In the end, Marisa and Philip chose a stunning framed portrait of Pepper and Sanya together. This piece will bring the joy of that fall afternoon into their home long after the leaves have fallen.

This session was a great reminder that the magic isn’t about perfect poses. It’s about letting dogs be who they are. Celebrating what makes them different, and creating something meaningful that lasts long after the leaves have fallen.

Pepper and Sanya, you were an absolute delight and I loved every minute with you all.

Warmly,

Donna

DonnaKelliher.com ~ Pet Photography for the best loved dogs of Greater Boston, the North Shore and beyond.

Because YOUR dog isn’t “just a dog”

Finding Gratitude (and Dog Hair) Everywhere

As the year winds down and the days grow colder, it’s natural to take stock. To pause, breathe, and reflect on all that has come before. The holiday season is a natural time for gratitude, but the older I get (and the more dogs I’ve loved), the more I realize that practicing gratitude throughout the year is what truly transforms our lives.

And honestly? No one models joy and presence quite like our dogs.

The Dogs I’m Eternally Grateful for 💖

They don’t need grand gestures or perfect days. A walk in the woods, a ball thrown (over and over and over again 😊, a treat (maybe five), and our company – that’s enough to light up their world. Even on the hardest days, their joy, loyalty and unconditional love remind us what really matters.

This year, I’ve found myself especially grateful for the small, quiet moments: the gentle thump of a tail, the way a Believe nudges my hand when life feels heavy, the clients who trust me to capture the love they share with their pups and the friends and community who make even the challenging days feel lighter.

The world can feel heavy and uncertain – we all know it – but gratitude doesn’t ignore that. It simply asks us to notice the light that’s still here. The laughter, the muddy paws, the warm noses, and the moments of connection that remind us we’re not alone.

As the New Year arrives, I hope we can all take a moment to soak it all in. Give our dogs an extra scratch behind the ears, call a friend we love or just sit quietly and feel grateful for all the small, beautiful things that fill our days.

Because when we practice gratitude – not just at the holidays, but all year long – we see how rich our lives really are. Especially with a dog (or three) by our sides.

Happy New Year to everyone reading this and I’m hoping 2026 give us all so much to be grateful for.

Warmly,

Donna

DonnaKelliher.com ~ Pet Photography for the best loved dogs of Greater Boston, the North Shore and beyond.

Because YOUR dog isn’t “just a dog”

Reflecting back

As the year winds down, I always find myself slowing just a bit. Turning inward (maybe hibernating a bit..). Taking stock of what worked, what surprised me, and what I’m carrying forward into the new year (and what I’m gently leaving behind).

This past year was full of meaningful moments. Dogs I fell completely in love with. Clients who trusted me with something deeply personal. Artwork going up on walls where it will be seen and loved every single day. That part never gets old. It’s why I love this work I do.

Like any year, there were challenges, moments of doubt, quiet stretches and lessons that nudged me to listen more closely to myself and what really matters to me. I was reminded that being clear and aligned is far more important than simply staying busy. When I create from a place that feels true and thoughtful, everything else comes together.

Looking forward to the new year

As I look ahead, I’ve chosen a word for 2026: visibility.

Not in a loud, performative way. Not hustle-for-the-sake-of-hustle. But in a grounded, intentional way. Showing up more in my community, saying yes to events, conversations, and collaborations that feel right. Maybe even a book project in the works… Letting more people know I’m here. Letting them meet me, talk dogs with me, see my work in person, and decide if it resonates.

Because the truth is, the dogs have always been at the heart of this business. And the people I love working with most are the ones who love their dogs fiercely. Who understand that these years are fleeting. Who want to honor that love in a tangible, lasting way. I want to spend more time with those people – and visibility is how that happens.

So as the calendar turns, my hope for the coming year is simple: more connection, more presence, more moments that matter. More dogs. Always more dogs.

Thank you for being part of this journey – whether you’ve been here for years or you just found me. I’m so grateful, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.

Here’s to a new year, wide open with possibilities.

xoxo

Donna

DonnaKelliher.com ~ Pet Photography for the best loved dogs of Greater Boston, the North Shore and beyond.

Because YOUR dog isn’t “just a dog”