I love when families bring their pets to their photo session. In this next one you can totally tell who the little sweet girl is, and who the ham is! Love it!

And these last two totally crack me up! I like to call this my telling the joke series:

In the first, doesn’t he look like he’s saying, “No way! Then what happened?”

At which time I would deliver the punch line and in the second you can see his reponse.

He’s totally saying, “Bwahaha, oh Shay. You ARE so funny!”

Yes, I’m a dork. I know. It’s ok!

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Until next time,
~Shay

utah pet photographer | utah dog photographer | ogden pet photography | salt lake dog photographer

In fact, once when I was in the fourth grade she came to my grade school to show my schoolmates one of these demonstrations. At the time I wasn’t even aware my mom had arranged to come to the school so you can imagine my surprise when suddenly our big, beautiful, kind, Dobermans came sauntering into the classroom with my mom in tow. The kids exploded in excitement and I felt my coolness status totally increase as they enthusiastically asked me questions. Given that I was a total geek (ok, I still am a total geek) I was nonetheless appreciative of any coolness my mom could rub off on me by showing how awesome our dogs were. I was so proud to stand in front of the class that day.

Another time my heart swelled with pride was when my mother took me with her to a nursing home to give a demonstration to the residents. Those sweet grandmas and grandpas were so excited to see the dogs perform. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this kind woman’s wrinkled and knotted-with-arthritis hands petting the top of the slick Dobie’s head and the dog standing there looking lovingly into her eyes. This was probably one of my earliest lessons of service and how time is the greatest gift given.

Naturally, when author Stacy Grover contacted me to take the photo for her book, 101 Creative Ideas For Animal Assisted Therapy, I was very excited and deeply honored. Stacy, along with her darling pups Cosita and Liberty, spend countless hours volunteering their time in various therapy sessions. These experiences lead Stacy to write this wonderful book so others can experience the joy that comes from animal assisted therapy.  
(click on the blue words to jump to her book website)

Stacy is truly beautiful on the outside but more importantly, genuinely beautiful on the inside.

Oh my gosh, this image cracks me up! Can’t you just see Liberty telling Cosita, “um, well little one, I’m not quite sure what you’re doing here because this is my show.”

“Yes, see how lovely of a model I am?” LOL, I love it.

Tell me what you think! Isn’t that book the best ever and aren’t these pups SO cute?!

Until next time,
~Shay

Edited to add:

This comment came to me from a nice lady named Janice and it’s so great I thought I would post it here in addition to the comments area.

My daughter and I first learned about animal assisted therapy two years ago and were completely captivated by the idea. After doing research into credible organizations, we contacted Therapy Animals of Utah to learn how to become qualified as therapy animal handlers. Stacy trained us. We’ve accompanied her on visits, and I’m telling you that she is amazing. She is one of the kindest, most giving people I know. She and her dogs melt the hearts of those she visits. I can’t wait to get her book in my hands and learn how to become just like her! Animal therapy work can be done with just about any animal including horses, mice, rabbits, birds, cats, dogs, etc. Therapy Animals of Utah is always looking for more volunteers, so if you are interested in learning more, go to their website: http://therapyanimalsutah.org/

My daughter and I first learned about animal assisted therapy two years ago and were completely captivated by the idea. After doing research into credible organizations, we contacted Therapy Animals of Utah to learn how to become qualified as therapy animal handlers. Stacy trained us. We’ve accompanied her on visits, and I’m telling you that she is amazing. She is one of the kindest, most giving people I know. She and her dogs melt the hearts of those she visits.

I can’t wait to get her book in my hands and learn how to become just like her! Animal therapy work can be done with just about any animal including horses, mice, rabbits, birds, cats, dogs, etc. Therapy Animals of Utah is always looking for more volunteers, so if you are interested in learning more, go to their website: http://therapyanimalsutah.org/

utah pet photographer | ideas for animal assisted therapy | ogden pet photography | utah family photographer

We had such a great time and meeting everyone was super fun for me. When I was taking the family shot in front of the hay barn in the image below, their horse was behind the fence nudging my back and nibbling on my jacket – it was so funny. I think he was jealous I wasn’t including him in that particular shot, the sweet fella.

After taking the shot above this sweet old fella needed a rest and I couldn’t resist getting this funny image of his nose and teeth. It makes me smile.

Until next time,
~Shay

utah family photographer | utah pet photography | ogden family photographer

Of course I was happy when she asked if she could bring her babies with her to the session. As I’ve said before, I love it when the furry members of the family come along for the family portraits.

Until next time,
~Shay

utah pet photographer | utah family photographer | ogden family photographer

In this post a few days ago I included one image from this dual session, but below are the remaining sneak peek images.

I must start with my favorite image from the session. OhMyGosh, I love that tongue!!

I’m so happy this family brought their dog with them in particular because not long after our session they found out he has cancer in his mouth and may be facing some hard decisions in the future regarding their baby. Poor puppy – he is such a sweet thing too.
My thoughts are with you Scow family. ((hugs))

Let me know what you think…

Until next time,
~Shay

Utah family photographer | Utah pet photographer | Ogden family photographer

Speaking of family portraits, you may have wondered if I fell off the face of the earth after my last post said I would only be gone a week. True I was only gone a week, but upon my return all the catching up to do and now in full swing of the fall season, my blog posting vacation was extended past my actual vacation. So to remedy that, here’s a very small sneak peek of a session I had recently. I love, love this picture by the way. If you have a member of the family that’s of the furry persuasion…. and I don’t mean Uncle Frank — hehe (ok, that was a lame joke) well by all means bring your furry family member to your session with you! I want to capture your whole family!

Oh, and also speaking of the new blog, check out the size of the honkin’ huge beautiful images! I think I’m in love. Already.

Until next time,
~Shay

Utah family photographer | Utah family and pet photographer | Utah family photography tips