• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Westway Studio | San Diego’s most adventurous & colorful pet portraits and commercial brand photography

Commercial brand pet photography and rustic-luxury family pet portraits with one-of-a-kind experiences

  • Howdy
  • Blog
  • Family Pet Photography
    • Portfolio
    • Session Details & Rates
    • High Regards
  • Commercial Pet Photography
    • Project Portfolio
    • Photo + Video Dream Team
    • Your Brand Story
    • Commercial Rates
    • Top Mistakes to Avoid
  • Education for Photographers
  • Contact

December 9, 2015 by Terran 14 Comments

The FOUND Project // Inspirational Shelter Pet Stories // Bixby

A few years ago, I knew I wanted to do a personal project about shelter/rescue pets but I wasn’t exactly sure what that project was. I thought about it for about a year. An ENTIRE year, you guys. I was stumped. I felt like I was just missing one piece of the puzzle. But then, one morning, I woke up and the first thought that popped into my head was the line from Amazing Grace, “I once was lost but now am found.” Then I thought, “that’s weird.” Next was, “OMG, THAT’S IT!” Now, I’m not a religious person. Spiritual, yes, but I don’t feel that I conform to any one religion and I don’t think I’ve ever in my life actually listened to Amazing Grace. Where did those words come from? I don’t know exactly but I strongly believe that someone up there was giving me the missing piece to my puzzle.

I thought about this project for probably another year, mostly afraid of what starting it would mean. Where would it go? What’s the final goal? How do I make it happen? And then, one day, it just did. My hubby and I were at an event and we met someone — a pretty awesome someone, with a pretty awesome rescue pup, going on some pretty awesome adventures, doing some pretty awesome work. Hubby gave me a swift kick in the behind and said, “um, isn’t this EXACTLY what you’ve been waiting for?” And yes, yes, it was. It was time to make this dream a reality.

So, without further ado, I am introducing you to my personal project, FOUND: From Extraordinary Circumstances to Extraordinary Lives | Inspirational Stories of Shelter Pets. Let’s just call it FOUND for short. My dream is to someday turn this into a book but every journey begins with the first step…

WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-011

Meet Mike and Bixby of Where’s Bixby! This duo is on a ride of a lifetime… literally! Bixby rides on the back of her human’s bicycle all around the country. Yes, you read that correctly: the country! From Maine, to the Florida Keys, to California and everywhere in between, wherever they go, Mike and Bixby promote shelter dogs, spay/neuter programs, fostering, and all the good stuff that comes from rescuing a pet. You see, Bixby is a shelter pup. A mix of who-only-knows-what, she’s just about the sweetest pup you’ll ever meet. She is so happy on her bed on the bike and clearly enjoys riding around, seeing new places, and meeting new people.

Shelter animals fill my heart and soul and I was absolutely thrilled to work with the Where’s Bixby duo. I dream of the day when there will be no more homeless pets and every critter will have a warm bed and a loving family. To meet others who feel the same way and are working toward the same goal is just really, really fantastic. As people meet Bixby and hear about her story, they are able to see first-hand that shelter animals aren’t rejects; they are amazing best friends that just got a bumpy start to life.

I photographed Mike and Bixby in San Diego, California, just toward the end of their summer stay here. The sun was shining, the air was warm, the tide was out, the sunset was incredible… everything just fell right into place. Mike and Bixby have a saying, “dreams are like sticks, you just have to chase them.” And that’s what we did on this day.

I wish Mike and Bixby all the best on their next cross-country adventure together!

WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-003
WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-015
WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-005
WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-018
WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-009-Edit-Edit
WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-036
WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-037
WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-032
WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-066
WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-046
WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-054
WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-056
WestwayStudio-Bixby-111215-063

If you know a shelter or rescue animal who would be a great addition to FOUND, please get in touch! I am looking for critters of all shapes, sizes, and species who are now leading extraordinary lives. Maybe they’re therapy animals for veterans, maybe they help kids learn to read, maybe they’re changing minds about BSL, or maybe, maybe, maybe… Let’s chase this stick — er, dream — together!

Filed Under: all pet portraits, doing good, the found project

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sophie says

    December 10, 2015 at 11:25 am

    So amazing, Terran!

    Reply
  2. Ashley DuChene says

    December 10, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    This is great, can’t wait to see more!

    Reply
  3. Beth says

    December 10, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    Wow! These are amazing photos and a terrific story!

    Reply
  4. Pene diMaio says

    December 10, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    what an exciting and promising project! as Beth said above, I can’t wait to see more!!
    love you!

    Reply
  5. Joann says

    December 10, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    I’m in love!

    Reply
  6. Lauren N says

    December 10, 2015 at 6:16 pm

    That is amazing, Terran! You are wonderful for starting this project and I know it’s going to be so successful and rewarding!!

    Reply
  7. Maria Diehl says

    December 10, 2015 at 8:38 pm

    Terran, what an amazing story – this was meant to be – your life’s mission, I believe, is to help by telling your rescue stories and getting people thinking and showing them how wonderful when they help animals find their forever homes. I can’t wait to hear the next story.

    Reply
  8. Mary Hoffman says

    December 10, 2015 at 9:10 pm

    Terran – this is really so neat! As someone who has had all of her pets find her at shelters, I think this is a wonderful way to shed light on this amazing opportunity and growing need. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to the next story!

    Reply
  9. Kelly says

    December 11, 2015 at 1:34 am

    We must talk. I work at a shelter, this has been a dream of mine for years as well. Please contact me when you’re free! Stunning pictures!

    Reply
  10. Simone says

    December 11, 2015 at 1:46 am

    What a great project! Good Luck and I wish you a lot of inspiring stories!
    Greetings from Germany

    Reply
  11. Sylvia says

    December 11, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    Great story of an amazing duo and amazing photos. Looking forward to more!

    Reply
  12. Arley Hulstrand says

    December 11, 2015 at 1:31 pm

    Your marvelous pictures take my breath away!

    Reply
  13. Susan says

    December 11, 2015 at 6:41 pm

    The most amazing photographs! I’m a huge fan of Bixby and now I’m a fan of yours!

    Reply
  14. Jon says

    December 11, 2015 at 8:05 pm

    As I grew up I always saw pound dogs (animals) as rejects…..until I experienced one. Now I see them as treasures wanting to bond with someone !!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Home » The FOUND Project // Inspirational Shelter Pet Stories // Bixby

Follow our wild, wild Westway adventures as we travel the U.S. in our Airstream

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Footer

Contact

Based in San Diego, CA
Traveling the U.S. in 2022
(858) 848-9378
Email Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
Hi there! In the age of social media, we all scrol Hi there! In the age of social media, we all scroll... a lot. Since we've had a bunch of new followers lately, I wanted to take a moment to say hi, introduce myself, and get to know you a little!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
I'm Terran, the Crazy Dog Mom behind Westway Studio. My hubby, senior pup, and I live in San Diego for six months of the year and travel the US in our Airstream for the other six. We love being on the road, meeting new people, seeing new places, eating new foods, and experiencing this beautiful country we call home.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
I'd love if you would share a little something about you and your pets with me — like where you're from, your animal companion's favorite vacation destination, a silly story, or anything else! :)
It's your last chance to apply for our upcoming We It's your last chance to apply for our upcoming West Paw photo shoot! The casting call closes this afternoon! Don't miss out - photo shoots are TONS of fun for people and pets! Link in bio or https://www.westpaw.com/pages/model-call
*Knocks on door* Hello! Can your dog come out to p *Knocks on door* Hello! Can your dog come out to play?​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
We're holding an open casting model call for our next playtime-filled shoot with West Paw! Apply at the link in my bio or https://www.westpaw.com/pages/model-call. Let's have some FUN!
Who LOVES treats? 🙋‍♀️ We're holding an o Who LOVES treats? 🙋‍♀️ We're holding an open casting model call for our next shoot with West Paw that'll be all about — you guessed it — TREATS! Apply through the link in my bio or at https://www.westpaw.com/pages/model-call
YahoOOoOooOoo!!! We are planning our next photo sh YahoOOoOooOoo!!! We are planning our next photo shoot with West Paw at the end of January! We're looking for dogs + their people to participate. Dogs should be well-trained and love treat toys! We are looking for pups of all breeds, mixes, and ages. Link in bio to apply or https://www.westpaw.com/pages/model-call​​​​​​​​​
#westwaypets #westwaystudio #opencasting #modelcall #dogmodel @westpawus
Sorry, boss, I'm gonna be late today... or I might Sorry, boss, I'm gonna be late today... or I might not make it in at all... it's National Cuddle Day, which means I can't move 'til my four-legged best friend does. 🤷‍♀️ Does your animal companion love to cuddle or is it more of an exercise in futility?
Hello. It's Wednesday. The holidays are over. Whic Hello. It's Wednesday. The holidays are over. Which way is up? Do you have any treats?
Mid-session puppy kisses always make for the silli Mid-session puppy kisses always make for the silliest and sweetest photos! Do your pups give you kisses, too?
Happy New Year, friends! What are you most looking Happy New Year, friends! What are you most looking forward to this year?​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Two things I'm really excited for are (1) getting back out on the open road in the Airstream and (2) teaching at the Shutterhound Conference in September alongside some of the world's greatest pet photographers. Seriously, the speaker lineup is i-n-c-r-e-d-I-b-l-e! Pinch me, I must be dreaming! (Sign up with crazy-special pricing through 11:59pm Eastern time tonight!!!)
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • 3 Images Every Pet Brand Photoshoot Should Include
  • The Positive Impact of Simplicity in Your Imagery
  • Pro Tips: 3 Ways to Cut Costs On Commercial Pet Business Photography (and 3 Areas to Never Skimp On)
  • Getting the hang of things: 3 months of full-time RV Living
  • Why every brand needs product AND lifestyle imagery

All images and written content on this site are Copyright © 2010-2023 Westway Studio.
Nothing on this site may be copied, screenshot, downloaded, or used without the written permission of Westway Studio.

  • Howdy
  • Blog
  • Family Pet Photography
  • Commercial Pet Photography
  • For Photographers
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
GIT ALONG LI'L DOGGIES
Follow my adventures with dogs, travel, and ranch life in the Wild, Wild Westway