We needed to keep everyone safe, so leashes all around (Bear’s needed to be around his waist to avoid irritating his treatment area) along with a quiet location where we’d have the place to ourselves to help keep everyone calm and relaxed. I knew of just the right spot in Addison and a date was set. 

We were blessed with cool temps and soft, warm sunlight – we couldn’t have ordered better weather.  What you’re seeing here is the before AND after - after I carefully edited out the leashes and lovingly restored Bear’s fur in post-production to bring the focus back where it belongs: on their sweet faces, their connection, and this special moment in time.

What you don’t see is the behind-the-scenes care that went into making this photograph happen. These dogs weren’t just posed and snapped in five minutes. This was a session that required patience, flexibility, and a deep understanding of dog behavior. As someone with a background in professional dog training, I know the subtle signs of stress or fatigue, and I adjust the session to meet each dog exactly where they are - physically and emotionally.

So many people hesitate to book a session when their dog is sick or recovering. They worry the photos won’t be “perfect.” But let me tell you: perfection isn’t the goal. Connection is. What matters is that your dog is there, that their spirit is shining through, and that you have a beautiful, timeless image to remember them by.

And if leashes or shaved patches or cloudy eyes are part of the story? I’ve got you covered. With professional retouching, we can remove distractions while preserving all the love and personality.

But here’s the hard truth: none of us knows how much time we’ll have with our pets. Waiting for the “perfect time” often means missing the opportunity altogether. Dogs live in the moment. They love you today, just as they are. They don’t care if their fur is patchy or their leash is showing - they care that you're with them.

Your photos should reflect that same authenticity.

Because one day, when the leash is gone and the house feels quieter, it’s these moments you’ll cling to - the ones where you can look back and say, “I’m so glad I did this.”

So don’t wait.

(click on any image to view full screen)