Knowing when it’s time to let go of your dog and finding peace after

Saying goodbye to a beloved dog is one of the hardest things we face as pet owners. They give us unconditional love for years, and when the time comes to make decisions about their comfort and dignity, it can feel overwhelming.

How to know it's time

Dogs are experts at hiding pain. But as they age, there are signs to watch for:

• They stop enjoying the things they once loved

• Pain or illness becomes hard to manage

• They struggle with basic tasks like eating or walking

• Good days become fewer and farther between

If you’re constantly wondering whether they’re still happy, that may be the sign you’re looking for. Euthanasia isn’t giving up; it’s giving peace when life becomes more struggle than joy.

Why you might feel relieved

After saying goodbye, some people feel a quiet relief. No more medication routines. No more watching them suffer. That relief can feel wrong, but it’s not. You were carrying a heavy emotional load. Feeling lighter is part of the healing. It doesn’t mean you didn’t love them. It means you cared deeply.

Grieve without shame

You gave your dog a good life and a loving goodbye. Let yourself grieve in whatever way feels right. Talk about them, remember them, and be kind to yourself. The love you shared is still there. It always will be.

Book one last photoshoot: I call this one the rainbow bridge session

Before you say goodbye, consider giving yourself one last gift: a photoshoot with your dog. It’s a way to honor their life, capture the bond you share, and create a beautiful memory to hold onto. Even if your dog is older or sick, those final images often become the most meaningful.

Because I know how difficult it is to make this decision, I offer gentle, in-home or outdoor sessions just for this stage of life.

Happy National Dog Day!

Every year on August 26, dog lovers across the nation pause to celebrate man’s best friend. National Dog Day isn’t just an excuse to shower your pup with extra treats, it’s a day to recognize the joy, comfort, and companionship dogs bring to our lives but to also to raise awareness about the many dogs in need of a loving home.

When the car ride hits just right.

This is how we celebrate National Dog Day.

A Little History

National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by animal advocate Colleen Paige. The date holds special meaning: it’s the day Paige’s family adopted her first dog when she was just 10 years old. Since then, the celebration has grown into a national event, supported by shelters, rescue organizations, and pet lovers everywhere.

Why Dogs Deserve Their Day

Dogs are more than just pets. They are:

• Loyal companions who never judge you.

• Unwavering protectors, alerting you to everything from intruders to the suspicious squirrel in the backyard.

• Mood boosters, offering love and laughter in even the hardest times.

• Everyday heroes, from service dogs to search-and-rescue teams.

How to Celebrate National Dog Day

Whether you have a dog or just love them from afar, there are countless ways to join the celebration:

1. Adopt, Don’t Shop: Visit your local shelter and consider adopting a furry friend in need.

2. Volunteer Your Time: Shelters always need extra hands for walking, cleaning, and socializing with the animals.

3. Spoil Your Pup: Bake homemade dog treats, take a long nature walk, or buy them a new toy.

4. Support Dog Charities: Donate money, food, or supplies to rescue organizations.

5. Spread the Word: Share photos and adoption stories on social media using the hashtag #NationalDogDay.

The Deeper Meaning

While National Dog Day is full of joy, it also shines a light on the sobering reality that millions of dogs enter shelters each year. This holiday is a gentle reminder to advocate for animal welfare, promote spaying and neutering, don’t support brands that still test on animals, and don’t buy your puppy from a backyard breeder.

Let’s celebrate the simple things

Dogs remind us daily of the simple pleasures: chasing a ball, napping in the sun, greeting someone at the door like they’ve been gone for years. On National Dog Day, let’s return the favor: give them love, kindness, and the care they deserve.

Book a session for you and your dog today to capture the deep bond you have built with your heart dog.

Big Announcement and want your pup to be included?

Can you keep a secret?? ABSOLUTELY.

You have an announcement you want photographed AND YOU WANT YOUR DOG INCLUDED? I can help with that.

Over the years I have had the honor to be one of the very first people to find out about families growing!!! There is nothing quite like standing behind the camera knowing I am capturing a moment that has not been shared with the world yet.

Why your dog should be included

Your pup is already part of the family so it makes sense they would be part of this next chapter. Whether it is a "Big Brother" bandana, a framed ultrasound at their paws, or just their natural goofy grin, dogs bring a layer of warmth, joy, and authenticity you cannot stage.

How I help you keep it top secret

When you trust me with your pregnancy announcement you are trusting me with a big piece of your story. That is not something I take lightly.

Here is how we keep things hush-hush until the big reveal:

• Private Planning – No spoilers in emails, texts, or calendars. Your session title stays neutral.

• Discreet Shooting – Props are hidden until it is time for the magic moment.

• Safe Editing – Your gallery is private
  

The joy of being in on the secret

It is such a special privilege to see your excitement before anyone else, to watch the way your dog reacts to the setup, and to know I am capturing the exact image you will use to share your joy with friends and family. Every time the announcement finally goes public I am grinning from ear to ear, cheering for you from behind the scenes.

---

So, got a secret, a pup, and a life changing announcement to share?

Let’s make it happen. Your story deserves to be told exactly how you imagine it and I will keep it safe until the moment is right.

And if you are interested in seeing more of the photos from the galleries featured in this blog post, you can find the first one right here and the one with the most hilarious doodles right here

Why you and your dog should sign up for a mini session

Let’s talk about mini sessions. These sessions are short, sweet, and full of real-life moments that matter most.

These aren’t the kind of sessions where everyone needs to be perfectly groomed, dressed up, or filtered into a version of themselves that doesn’t exist on a Tuesday afternoon. These are for you and your dog exactly as you are.

• Bad haircut? Not a problem.

• Just came from the vet with a bald spot? Honestly, that’s part of the story.

• Dog rolled in wet grass on the way to the shoot? Good. That’s just how it is.

What I love most is capturing your bond, not your “look.” Your dog doesn’t care if your hair is messy or if their tail is a little wild today. What matters is you’re together, and that’s the heart of every photo.

These mini sessions are about freezing that feeling in time:

• The way they lean into you.

• The goofy grin after a zoom.

• The everyday gear that years from now will bring you back to this exact season of life.

Photos don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. They just need to be true.

So if you’ve been thinking:

“We’re not ready…” or “Let’s wait until they’re groomed…”

Don’t wait. Life’s already happening. Your dog is already showing up just as they are. And I promise, that’s more than enough.

Let’s make some real, honest, joy-filled memories.

Sign up for your mini session today.

The Office litter is looking for their forever homes

If you have ever thought about adding a puppy to your family, now is the time. If you have not, I would appreciate it if you shared these precious pups who are currently all placed with foster homes. The Ozzie Albies Foundation is doing a phenomenal job finding the perfect families for rescue and shelter dogs.

They had this to say about these sweet puppies and the amazing support network of people chipping in:

This weekend was a huge one for The Office Litter.

Mouse and her 6 puppies, at just 8 weeks old and already almost bigger than her, made their way from Cobbtown, GA to the Mirror Image K9 Center where they officially joined our Best Chance Program.

It certainly takes a village and the most compassionate, dedicated one at that.

Donna who rescued Mouse and her babies and selflessly fostered all SEVEN of them for over 8 weeks, your heart and strength are unmatched.

Kate who coordinated every piece of this transport with so much love and care, you always make the impossible possible. She also makes sure every adopter is set up with absolutely everything they might need for their little foster puppy, from food, to toys, to leashes, crates and beds.

The amazing transport angels Cindy & Ben, Nancy & Mike, thank you for giving your time and hearts to get this crew to the center.

And Mirror Image K9 whose owners and trainers truly pour their soul into building and supporting this program and making sure every dog truly gets their best chance, thank you for dreaming bigger for them.

The litter was welcomed by a whole team of helpers at the Mirror Image K9 Center who helped with everything from coordinating photos, microchipping to cleaning puppies and crates. It seriously takes a whole bunch of capable helpers to make rescue intake days a success.

And thank you of course, to our amazing, incredible, and selfless fosters, thank you for stepping up and making this entire rescue mission possible. You are the heartbeat of every second chance.

This is what rescue looks like.

This is what love in action feels like.

And we are so, so grateful.

And if you want to adopt, this is the form to fill out.

Woody, Dennis, and a baby on the way

The first time I photographed Woody and Dennis, Dennis had just been adopted from the Ozzie Albies Foundation. He was a little timid but curious and surprisingly comfortable in front of the camera. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to photograph these two doodle boys and their amazing humans every single year. And with each year, Dennis and Woody just become more and more funny.

This session was something truly special.

I was invited to help announce the sweetest news: a new baby is on the way. And of course, Woody and Dennis were included. These boys have been part of so many moments already, and it only made sense for them to help share such a joyful one.

Capturing these memories with familiar furry faces and a growing family made it all feel full circle. I’m so honored they continue to trust me with their most meaningful milestones.

You can also follow these two funny guys and their mom on Instagram: @ohemgeeitswoodyandd

The quiet treasure of a dog

There are few treasures in life as quietly profound as the love of a dog.

They don’t ask for much. Just your presence, your patience, and a moment of your time. In return, they offer everything: loyalty without conditions, joy without explanation, and comfort without words. A dog doesn’t need to speak for you to understand them. They’re fluent in looks, tail wags, head tilts, and warm sighs at your feet.

When you’re with a dog, life slows down. Because that’s how they move through the world. They stop to sniff, to explore, to notice the wind in the grass and the sunlight dancing on a puddle. They remind us that it's okay, even necessary, to pause. To be curious. To be. They don’t rush. They don’t multitask. They live in the moment and invite us to do the same.

There’s a kind of magic in the way a dog greets you when you come home. Their tail is wagging, their eyes are bright, and they bring you a toy like a peace offering or a celebration. It’s impossible not to smile. And that small moment, just a tail wag or a nuzzle, can shift the entire weight of your day. A simple belly rub becomes a two-way act of healing. Their joy becomes yours.

But every dog lover knows a heartbreak is waiting to happen. One day, the wagging tail is no longer waiting by the door. The leash hangs still. The absence is enormous. The silence is deafening. And while we never exchanged words, their voice in our life is suddenly gone.

Yet even in that grief, dogs leave behind something remarkable. A deeper capacity for love. And a heart that knows, despite the pain, it’s worth doing again.

Because somewhere, in a shelter across town or across the country, there is a dog waiting. A dog who is already perfect in their own imperfect way. A dog who wants to walk slowly through life with you, one step at a time. Who will bring you their toy like it’s the greatest gift they have. Who will wait for you, every day, just to come home.

They are not just animals. They are companions. Teachers. Healers. Mirrors. And if we are lucky, they are with us just long enough to show us what it really means to be present and to love fully without needing words.

Dogs are not just our pets. They are our greatest treasure.

And somewhere, your next treasure may be waiting for you.

The stories I strive to tell with every session

After puppy shoots, I often get a message from the client apologizing for the chaos. Guess what? That is the kind of chaos I absolutely love. It’s part of the puppy stage and it is absolutely not possible to have a perfectly well behaved puppy in front of the camera for about 40 minutes. Who really likes perfect anyway?

There is something really beautiful about watching a dog grow. From the moment they arrive in our lives as tiny, often clumsy, bundles of fur to the quiet dignity of their senior years, each stage is a unique chapter in a beautiful, heartfelt story. It's a journey filled with boundless energy, unwavering loyalty, and unconditional love. And for me, it's a story I'm dedicated to telling, one photograph at a time.

Think back to those early days. The sleepy puppy cuddles that felt like the purest form of bliss. The tiny yawns, the soft fur, the way they'd fall asleep in your arms. I’m also not ashamed to say that I love nothing more than puppy breath and the soft, often naked belly of a puppy. Then, almost overnight, that little furball transforms into a whirlwind of playful zooms. The boundless energy, the awkward leaps, the discovery of their own voice through happy, high-pitched barks and playful growls. This is the stage of curiosity, antics, and the joy of watching them explore the world with wide-eyed wonder.

As they mature, dogs settle into adulthood, their personalities start to fully bloom, and they are slowly becoming the steadfast companions we rely on. They understand our routines, anticipate our moods, and offer a comforting presence without a single word. While the puppy zooms might become less frequent, their capacity for joy and play remains. They're still up for an adventure, a long walk, or a fast game of fetch, but often with a newfound grace and understanding. This is where their true character shines, a unique blend of their puppy past and their experienced present.

And then, perhaps the most poignant stage: the tender beauty of their senior years. The gray hairs start to appear, dusting their muzzle. Their gait might slow, their naps become longer, and the signs of a life well-lived become beautifully evident. There's a particular warmth in their gaze, a deep contentment that comes from years of companionship. Every gentle nudge, every slow tail wag, every quiet moment of rest by your side becomes even more precious. It's a testament to the incredible bond you've built, a quiet acknowledgment of shared memories and enduring love.

My Purpose: Telling Their Story

Every one of these stages is a gift, a unique set of memories to cherish. My purpose is to capture these moments, to freeze time and preserve the essence of your dog's journey. From the playful energy of youth to the serene wisdom of old age, I aim to create images that reflect the love, joy, and unique spirit of your furry family member.

What's your favorite memory from one of your dog's life stages? I'd love to hear it in the comments below!

Spotlight on amazing shelter dogs

Every week, I walk into the shelter with my camera in hand, ready to meet a new group of dogs. Some are shy, others practically explode with excitement the moment their kennel door opens. All of them, no matter their past, light up when given just a few minutes of attention, a patch of sunlight, and the chance to shine in front of a lens.

Supporting shelter dogs with photography has become a weekly ritual for me, something that’s not only changed my creative perspective but has also been unbelievably and incredibly fulfilling.

This past week I not only went to my local dog shelter but also partnered with Lifeline Animal Project to help bring attention to the incredible dogs waiting for homes, many of whom have been waiting far too long.

They All Have a Story

Some of the dogs I meet were picked up as strays, still wearing collars while also being microchipped. All hopeful signs that someone might come for them when being called. But nobody ever does.

Others arrive at the shelter in heartbreaking circumstances: surrendered by owners who believe it’s the best they can do, caught in the chaos of housing insecurity, health issues, or life simply falling apart. Then there are the long-timers, dogs who have lived at the shelter for years. Two, three, even four years. For some, the shelter is the only home they’ve ever really known.

I’ve met dozens of dogs in just the past few weeks, and every single one has left a mark on me. I want to take them all home. But we all know that is not how this works. I do love to give them a few moments in the spotlight and here and there some cuddles and kisses. I do tell all of them I will do my best to find them their perfect home.

More Than a Headshot

When a dog steps in front of the camera, something changes. They’re no longer “just another shelter dog.” They’re individuals. Stars. Models. Goofballs. Gentle souls.

I love capturing their head tilts, their toothy grins, their soulful eyes, their oversized ears and even more oversized paws, still growing into their puppyhood. Some show off adorable underbites, others offer nose boops and tail wags like they’ve been waiting for this their whole life.

These portraits aren’t just pictures. They’re a chance. A chance for someone scrolling through adoption profiles to pause, look again, and hopefully fall in love.

Photography as Advocacy

I believe deeply that photography can change the way we see shelter dogs. Instead of sad, sterile kennel shots, I aim to show the joy, the life, the personality of every dog I meet. They aren’t broken. They aren’t less-than. They’re just waiting for someone to see them.

If you’ve ever considered adopting, fostering, or even volunteering, PLEASE DO. These dogs have so much to give. And if you can’t take one home, share their photos. Tell their stories. Help someone else find their new best friend.

Because they are beautiful. They are worthy. And they deserve more than a kennel.

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Bruna, a modern day hero (of mine)

I don’t know when exactly I started following Bruna on Instagram but her account is one I follow religiously and it has also shown that sharing her stories and reels is helping the precious souls she highlights. Bruna is a volunteer at Cobb County Animal Shelter and introduces each dog she cares for. She talks about their background, what they are like and who would be a great owner for them. I wanted to know more about her and what made her decide to become a volunteer at the shelter.
Please read and share with all your dog lovers who might be interested in giving back by volunteering at their local shelter. Also, please follow Bruna on Instagram and share her posts so the pups can get another chance to find their person.

Follow Bruna here

---

How long have you been volunteering? 

I started volunteering on July of 2023, so it has been almost 2 years now.

What led you to volunteer at the shelter? 

I grew up in Brazil. There are A LOT of strays there. When I was a kid, I was always trying to play with them, feed, and sometimes even try to sneak them into my home (oops lol). My parents would always give me that look, and try to explain to me that I can’t just bring all the dogs home sometimes they would let me keep one or two, and for the ones I couldn’t keep I would try to find them new homes!! So I have always had dogs growing up. For the longest time, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian, because that was the only job I could think of that involved animals. But when I got older, I realized I didn’t want to do surgeries, vaccines, medical things…I wanted to help in a different way.                                                                 

My first contact with adoption was on the Cobb shelter. It was a really tough day. There were SO many dogs in need. One dog caught my eye, he was sitting in a corner, with his head down, and just looking really sad. That’s Gustavo (he is a pointer mix). We had to take him home with us. The moment he walked through the door, he was a complete different dog, he was so happy, energetic, and excited. He was only 1 year old, and it looked like he immediately knew he was safe with us, he made sure to make himself right at home lol. Then, about two years ago, I finally decided to start volunteering there at that same shelter. At first, I signed up but kept hesitating. I was scared it would be too sad, because I knew some animals might not make it. I knew it could break my heart. But then I thought, “This is going to happen whether I want it or not. I can either show up, be there with them, give them love and make a difference in their lives, or I can just stay home and pretend I don’t know about it” So I went — and honestly, it was the best decision I ever made!

What is the best part and what is the hardest part? 

The best part is believing that I am giving them quality time while they wait for their forever home. It’s also great getting to know each dog’s personality, make them feel loved, seeing a really scared dog open up to you and of course, seeing them walk through those doors with their new families. 

The hardest part is definitely losing dogs. Knowing that an incredible, healthy, young, and happy dog was euthanized because of space. 

How can people best support you and the shelter dogs?

The best way to support is definitely by raising awareness about the situation. Going to the shelter, seeing with your own eyes what is happening. Share posts, educate people. And if you can, volunteer! The animals rely on us to go on their daily walks, we are the only interaction they have with people, we are the best part of their day. But if you can’t volunteer, you can share the videos I post of them, so they can be seen and reach as many people as we can and hopefully save their lives! I believe there is a person out there for every single dog! Some people will see a dog on a video, and for any reason immediately identify with him. Sometimes even out of state, they drive for hours to adopt a dog that they have never even seen in person, just on a video.

Is there anything else you want to get off your chest and are comfortable sharing?

I believe that as long as human beings can’t love one another, they won’t be able to fully love animals or nature …

Learning to speak up (and why that changed everything)

Oh boy... where do I even start?

Running a dog photography business means lots of beautiful moments, happy but also sometimes anxious pups, and a little fun chaos. But it also means showing up prepared, mentally as well as creatively.

When I first started, I had all the usual fears. What if the lighting's terrible? What if I forget gear? What if I get there and the location is nothing like I imagined? The list goes on. And honestly, it would’ve been so easy to let that spiral of “what ifs” keep me from ever starting in the first place.

In those early sessions, I was uncomfortable speaking up when something didn’t feel right. I didn’t want to be that photographer that constantly repositions people or asks them to move after they just got their dog to finally sit. So I stayed quiet. I shot through it. And guess what? Most of those images ended up in the trash.

It took time (and a lot of trial and error) to realize that people hire me not just to take pretty photos, but to guide them through the process. They want me to help create the best version of these memories and sometimes that means asking someone to shift just a couple of inches into better light, or stepping away from a distracting background. It’s always worth it.

One of the weirdest sessions I ever had, and one that really shaped my business, was back when I still offered equine photography. A mom hired me to shoot her daughter and her horse and when I showed up, suddenly there were three girls, three horses, both parents, and a dog. I was overwhelmed. I hadn’t asked how many people would be involved, and I hadn’t clearly communicated what I offered. In the end, the shoot worked out, but it taught me a valuable lesson: know who you’re serving and be clear about what you do best.

That moment helped push me to focus on what I love. And that is solely dogs and their people, and the connection that only exists between them. Today, every session is built around that connection. No big production, no uncomfortable posing, just you and your dog, being yourselves, while I quietly capture the moments that matter most.

Because those are the images that last forever.

When I knew this was something special

A few years ago, I nervously posted a model call in a local Facebook group, asking if anyone had a dog I could photograph. I’d just started dipping my toes into dog photography and wanted to build a small portfolio. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. Maybe a few kind souls with cute dogs would respond, and I’d get a handful of practice sessions in.

What I didn’t expect? The flood of responses.

Within hours, the post had so many comments that I had to close the thread. I couldn’t keep up responding to people. It was overwhelming in the best way. People were so excited to share their dogs with me. They told me stories about their rescues, their senior pups, the dogs who had been with them through thick and thin. It wasn’t just, “Yes, you can take a photo of my dog.” It was, “Let me tell you about this soul who changed my life.”

That was the moment I knew I had something worth pursuing.

From one heart dog to many

My journey into dog photography started in the most personal way; with my own dog. I adopted her in 2017, a sweet and playful bully breed who quickly became my whole world. Before her, I hadn’t realized just how deep the stigma ran around bully breeds. I wanted people to see her the way I did. She was loving, expressive, wild at times but just oh so perfect. So I started photographing her and sharing the images online. It didn’t take long before friends began asking if I could photograph their dogs, too.

That’s when something clicked.

Over time, I realized that what I love most isn’t just taking beautiful portraits of dogs. It’s capturing the connection between a dog and their person. My favorite clients are women who, like me, have that one dog who’s been with them through everything. The breakups, the job changes, the moves across the city or across the country, their dog has been the constant. Their heart dog.

There’s something really special about documenting that kind of bond. Yes, we will do a little posing here and there but all of it will still look natural. I always make sure people still feel comfortable. The favorite parts though are when I just let them be together. I walk around them, quietly capturing the small moments that tell a big story: the way their dog looks at them, the subtle lean into their side, the spontaneous smile when a tongue catches them off guard.

Those are the moments I live for. The moments that only last a second, but mean everything.

Over the years, I’ve heard so many beautiful stories from clients about how they met their dog, what they’ve been through together, and how their bond has grown. It’s a privilege to listen to those stories, and an even bigger privilege to help preserve them through photographs. Because we never get enough time with them. But a photo, that memory, can last forever.

That’s why I do this. For the dogs. For their people. And for the love that deserves to be remembered.

Let’s plan to capture your special moments with your heart dog.

Brody + Amber

There’s something truly special about those who pour their hearts into caring for their senior pups, making sure they live their golden years full of love and comfort. Amber is one of those incredible humans. Through life’s twists and turns, Brody has been her constant, her loyal companion, and it’s clear just how much they mean to each other. This sweet boy is one of the luckiest I’ve ever met, and capturing their beautiful bond was an absolute joy. Wishing them countless more cherished moments together.

A new chapter: Full-time with MAAS Creative

This moment has been in the works for quite some time, and I’m beyond excited to finally share it—I'm officially dedicating all my time to MAAS Creative!

For years, photography—especially dog photography—has been my passion. It has brought me so much fulfillment and connected me with incredible people who love their dogs as deeply as I do. Now, by stepping into this full-time, I’ll be able to offer more regular sessions, including Rainbow Bridge sessions during the week, ensuring that every dog’s story is captured in a way that truly honors their journey and the bond they have built with their favorite person.

Another part of this transition that means the world to me is having the time to give back. I’ll be working with rescues and shelters, photographing dogs who are still searching for their second (or third, or even fourth) chance at a loving home. A good photo can make all the difference in helping a dog get noticed and adopted, and I’m grateful to be in a position to contribute.

I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes me. Thank you for being part of this journey—I’m so excited for what’s ahead!