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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…

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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!

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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

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Wyoming better move on over and make some room bec Wyoming better move on over and make some room because Montana now shares my heart. We spent 45 days in the western half of the state this year and I did NOT want to leave.​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​On our last day, Roxy and I sat out by the Gallatin River together. I sipped my morning tea, we listened to the birds, and watched a little squirrel eat a nut in the tree next to us. It was pure perfection.⁣ 
My *TWO* Montana blogs are up on my website so head on over to westwaypets.com/blog or click the links in my IG bio!
We're officially back in San Diego but I'm still d We're officially back in San Diego but I'm still dreaming of Utah! Photographing Rey and her mom among the red rocks was one of the highlights of our trip. Rey's beautiful brindle tones worked so perfectly with the red rocks and I just loved the happy, natural smiles both mom & pup had when they were together!
I absolutely loved this peaceful spot in Jackson H I absolutely loved this peaceful spot in Jackson Hole. Down a gravel road, away from the tourist crowds, the Teton range stood nobly in the distance while tall trees, yellow wildflowers, and a friendly little chipmunk called this hilltop home. This was such a special evening and Mother Nature's dramatic sunset is not one I'll soon forget.
Here's a little Montana sunrise sparkle and a big Here's a little Montana sunrise sparkle and a big smile from Henry to start your day!
Hello, Las Vegas! Shutterhound starts TOMORROW!!!! Hello, Las Vegas! Shutterhound starts TOMORROW!!!! I know how hard the conference founders, Kaylee & Sam, have been working to pull this all together and I am 1,000,000% confident this will be an event to remember! I am honored to have been asked to teach two separate classes at the event and am so excited to get up there on stage and share what I've learned over the past 13 years as a pet photographer! Are any of my social followers here at the conference, too? Are you ready to have your socks knocked off????? I am!!!
Who's ready to go have some fun this weekend??? Who's ready to go have some fun this weekend???
We wrapped up this year's road trip in Big Sky, Mo We wrapped up this year's road trip in Big Sky, Montana and this was our final hike. Roxy rode in her carriage and was as happy as a little clam the whole time. She loves being out in nature and I'm just so glad we can still provide her with special outings like this one.
This year's Great American Road trip flew by way t This year's Great American Road trip flew by way too quickly. It feels like we were in Wyoming just yesterday, staring out at my favorite mountain range in awe, and photographing the amazing Harley and his mom.​​​​​​​​​ 
I'm flying out to Las Vegas next week to teach at Shutterhound, *the* conference for pet photographers. I'm excited to see old friends, meet new ones, and teach two classes! I am so honored to be part of the "rockstar speaker" lineup, which includes some of the very best, most iconic, and talented pet photographers from across the globe! Can Vegas even contain so much talent? As the conference founders are telling us, expect your socks to be blown right off more than once!
Montana taught me that I can plan and plan and pla Montana taught me that I can plan and plan and plan — but Mother Nature likes to have a little fun with those who get a little too confident in the weather! ➡️ We got completely drenched at one of our photo shoots this month and it will be one of my favorite memories from our entire road trip!
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