When my dog Midnight passed, I did what so many grieving pet parents do — I went searching for comfort in old photos. And that’s when the truth hit me: I had almost no pictures of the two of us together.
That realization left an ache in my chest.
Not because I didn’t love him enough…
but because I hadn’t realized how precious, and how fleeting, our everyday moments together truly were.
A few months later, Shamus came into my life — a stray found wandering a nearby town. He was gentle, sweet, a bit silly and velcro-attached from the moment he met me. Only later did my sister tell me that he was a day or 2 away from being euthanized if no one stepped forward.
Midnight taught me why these moments matter.
Shamus taught me why visibility matters.
And together, they shaped the mission behind my work:
to honor the bonds we share with our animals, and to use photography as a way to give hope, dignity, and second chances to dogs who need to be seen.
But here’s the most important part — I don’t do any of this alone.
Every bit of giving back you’re about to read is something we created together:
my clients, rescue volunteers, my calendar contest families, local business partners, and the many dog lovers who cheer these pups on.
This community is the heartbeat behind the work.
Holiday Joy for Adoptable Dogs
This year, we offered complementary Christmas sessions — both at the Christmas tree farm and in the studio — for adoptable dogs from Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter.
These sessions weren’t just about adorable holiday photos.
They were about visibility.
A break from the shelter.
Fresh air, treats, car rides, and human connection.
What filled my heart most were the volunteers who showed up with full hearts and willing hands. Some dogs came shy. Some came bouncing with joy. All left feeling loved, seen, and celebrated.
You shared their images.
You helped boost their visibility.
You became part of their story.
Ongoing Shelter Photography
Throughout the year, I visit Second Chance regularly to photograph new arrivals and capture playful yard moments that show who they really are — joyful, gentle, eager, hopeful.
Second Chance is my primary rescue partner, but whenever a dog from another shelter needs visibility, I do my best to step in.
These photos help adopters fall in love before they even meet the dog.
And that impact? You help make it possible.
Volunteering at Shelter Events
From adoption events to fundraisers, I photograph many of the community moments that help Second Chance share their mission. These images raise awareness, grow support, and shine a light on the volunteers who pour their hearts into this work.
And again — you show up.
You attend events, share posts, cheer for the dogs, and help spread the word.
Artisan Sessions — Supporting Multiple Rescues
My Artisan Sessions are a beautiful blend of creativity and colaboration. With these smaller sessions, I donate back to the shelter or rescue of each client’s choice.
You book the sessions.
You choose the rescues.
Together we raise funds, build awareness, and support the causes closest to your hearts.
Giving Back Through My Signature Sessions
Beyond fundraisers and special events, I donate a portion of profits from each of my Signature Session experiences.
It’s my way of keeping rescue work woven into the foundation of my business.
And when you invest in your artwork, your albums, or your wall portraits, that generosity ripples outward in ways you may not even realize.
The Annual Calendar Contest — Our Biggest Fundraiser
Every year, the Calendar Contest becomes a joyful, heartfelt wave of community spirit.
You enter your beloved dogs.
You rally family and friends.
You vote.
You share.
And all those small acts of love add up to something powerful — every dollar from voting goes directly to Second Chance, and proceeds from calendar sales support them even further.
Local businesses step in with donated prizes.
The winners receive photo sessions.
And the final calendar?
A beautiful collection of community dogs whose stories are connected by compassion.
We create this fundraiser together — and its impact grows because of you.
Why I Give Back
I give back because Midnight taught me the value of the everyday moment.
Because Shamus taught me the urgency of being seen.
Because shelters save lives every day.
Because compassion is contagious — and this community has proven it time and time again.
Every Artisan Session, every calendar vote, every session booked, every social share — all of it builds a network of hope for dogs who deserve a chance to be loved.
You’re not just supporting my photography.
You’re helping write happier endings for animals who need us.
Thank You for Being Part of This Work
If you’ve ever supported a fundraiser, entered the calendar contest, transported a dog, shared an adoptable pup, booked a session, or simply cheered from afar — please know this:
You are part of every second chance we create.
You are part of this mission.
And I am endlessly grateful for you.
Here’s to another year of compassion, connection, and giving back — together.
