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October 15, 2018 by Terran 5 Comments

Stella the rescue Pit Bull at Irvine Regional Park

I’ve known Stella for a few years now. Her mom first came to me for a Limited Edition Studio Session (and has since been back for so many more, I’ve lost count) so when she messaged me and said “it’s Stella’s 10th birthday and we want to do an outdoor session to celebrate,” I was all over it!

Stella is one of those dogs who can look straight into your soul. She’s sweet, gentle, and knows exactly how to get you to give her all the Soul’y Raw treats in the world. She loves to wear bandanas for every occasion and is always up for an adventure with friends.

From Stella’s Mom:

When I adopted Stella in 2014, I had no idea how much she would change my life. Stella sat at the shelter for a month, being overlooked by hundreds of people. She was deemed a “staff favorite,” but being labeled a senior dog undoubtedly caused many people to walk right past her.

   

When I saw her photo being networked, without hesitation, I knew she was meant to be my dog, but I had no idea she would become my best friend, my road trip partner, and truly the best thing to ever happen to me.

   

A couple years ago, Stella was diagnosed with two different types of cancer – my heart sank, I couldn’t breathe, and I would burst into tears without warning. I promised her from that day forward, we would check things off her bucket list, I would feed her the best food possible, and I would no longer rush her when she wanted to spend a little too much time sniffing instead of walking. 

We had our first session with Terran a few months after Stella was diagnosed. When I saw the photos, I realized how incredibly important these were in our journey. I have so many incredible memories with Stella, but I know that memories slowly fade, and those little details become harder to remember – the heart shaped spot on the back of her head, the little scar under her right eye, and those adorable chin whiskers that glisten in the sun. 

Each session with Terran is not just a means to an end – each session is a well-thought-out experience – from the moment you begin to session plan, to the day your products are delivered, she has thought of every little detail to make it incredibly special.

I am forever grateful to Terran for the priceless photos she has captured. I know my time with Stella will never be long enough, but I have comfort in knowing that we have enthusiastically adventured together, relished in the quiet moments, and that I have photos that will last a lifetime.


I am so lucky to know you both. Thank you for your kind words and allowing me to be a part of your lives! xo

Filed Under: all pet portraits, traditional sessions

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jasmine says

    October 31, 2018 at 11:54 pm

    This is such a sweet story, and I love the tenderness in her eyes. Such a soulful little bud that you captured beautifully. particularly love that confetti shot.

    Reply
  2. ASHLEY D says

    November 1, 2018 at 2:47 pm

    Ahhh, the story, the images. So beautiful! Love their love for each other.

    Reply
  3. Ligaya Wantland says

    February 21, 2019 at 10:29 am

    Beautiful pictures! Such LOVE!!! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  4. Maria Diehl says

    February 21, 2019 at 11:16 am

    I think it’s a mutual love affair between Stella, her mom and YOU! I think every time I see your stories/pictures that I’ve
    never read anything more beautiful . . . and then, Stella comes along. I want to give her a hug too and whisper in her
    ear – don’t give up Stella love will give you happiness you deserve!

    Reply
  5. Jen Elrod says

    March 5, 2019 at 11:57 am

    These are some of the most beautiful photos I’ve ever seen. You really captured the love between Stella and her mom. I know she will cherish these photos forever. I hope that confetti shot is blown up and hanging on the wall! :)

    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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