November always feels like a good time to slow down and think about the things I’m grateful for. Not that I need a particular month to remind me. Life with dogs, photography, the people I’ve met along the way, and all the little adventures in between give me plenty to appreciate every day.

So today, instead of sharing a client session or talking about photography, I thought I’d share a little of what’s making me happy these days. The big things, the little things, and all the ordinary moments in between.

The Dogs Who Make My Days

First, there’s Believe. She’s almost ten now, and still takes her job as neighborhood watch very seriously. Most mornings, you’ll find her standing at the window keeping a close eye on the mail carrier, squirrels, and pretty much anything else that dares to move outside. She also takes her job of keeping Asher, her stinky, teenage brother (at least in dog years), in line very seriously. Someone has to keep him in check, after all! I love that about her. There’s something comforting about the familiar routines and the personalities that make our dogs who they are.

And then there’s Asher. I honestly don’t have the words for how much this dog means to me. He’s still growing into himself, still figuring things out, and watching him learn and develop in agility has been such a joy. He’s also quite the kisser. Sometimes his enthusiasm puts you in real danger of a broken nose, but he’s so happy about it that it’s hard to fault him. I love watching his confidence grow, seeing him work things out, and discovering all the little things that make him who he is. He brings so much happiness into my everyday life, and I am incredibly grateful he’s part of it.

I’m also grateful for the dogs who aren’t here anymore but are still very much a part of my life. There’s a photograph hanging in my dining room of my two Golden Retrievers, both of whom have been gone for more than a decade. One is caught giving the other a kiss on the cheek, and it’s still one of my favorite photographs I’ve ever taken. I pass it every day. It makes me smile every time. I think that’s one of the beautiful things about photographs. They let us hold onto moments that might otherwise become a little harder to remember as the years go by. It’s one of the reasons I love creating finished artwork for my clients – something they can enjoy every day and hold onto for years to come

The Dogs Who Make This Work So Special

Then there are all the dogs I get to meet through my work as a dog photographer. Every single one has a story, a personality, and a family who loves them beyond measure. I get to spend time with dogs who have overcome difficult beginnings, senior dogs enjoying their slower days, puppies discovering the world, and everything in between. I get to see the relationships people have with their dogs up close, and I’m reminded over and over again how much these dogs mean to us. Being invited to capture that connection is something I never want to take for granted.

Finding Beauty Close to Home

I’m so grateful for where I live, too. Living in Massachusetts, just outside Boston, means there’s always somewhere to explore. A trail I’ve never walked, a beach to wander with a dog, a pond that’s perfect for an afternoon paddle, or a gallery, a beautiful historic building, or an unexpected bit of local art. I love having the freedom to get outside, discover new places, and bring a camera along for the ride. And the seasons! Every one of them brings something different to photograph and appreciate. Even a January beach walk has its own kind of beauty.

The People Who Make It Even Better

But just as much as the places, I’m grateful for the people I’ve met along the way.

There’s a whole community of people who love their dogs as much as I do, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by them. My agility friends understand the excitement of a good training session, the occasional frustration of trying to figure something out, and why an evening at the training facility can be just as much fun as a night out. Some of my clients have become genuine friends, and I love that those relationships sometimes continue long after a photography session is over.

It’s pretty special to spend your days surrounded by people who understand that dogs aren’t just pets. They’re family. They’re companions, adventure buddies, teachers, and sometimes the reason we rearrange our entire schedules.

I know I’m fortunate. I get to do work I love, spend my days with dogs, live in a beautiful part of the country, and share all of it with people who understand why it matters so much.

And when I stop to really think about it, there’s quite a lot to be grateful for.