It’s no secret, I have a HUGE love of animals. All kinds. I had a pet daddy long legs that lived in my bathroom as a kid, along with hermit crabs, fish, birds, cats, and dogs. Not all at the same time, but pretty much since birth I’ve had at least one or two pets in my life. My husband makes fun of me because I’ve been known to capture mosquitoes and spiders in the house and let them outside, and take wounded squirrels to the animal rehab center (he thinks the world would probably be OK with one less squirrel, or as my kids like to call them, “dirty old hairballs”). I especially have a soft spot for dogs. The bigger the better. So when Katy contacted me about a family session with her two dogs, Magnus (an Alaskan Malamute) and Bailey (cattle dog mix) I was so excited! We have two Siberian Huskies at home, and I always thought it would be cool to have a Malamute – I had never even seen one before, and couldn’t wait to meet all of them (the humans and the dogs). About a week before our session, Katy contacted me with news that Magnus had started limping earlier in the week and that when they took him in to be checked out, they received some unexpected news. Magnus had bone cancer, and one of his front legs had been amputated to hopefully slow the growth. Hearing that just broke my heart. But, the good news was that he did well after surgery, and was already walking by himself a little bit the next day! We waited to see how he was doing, and decided to keep our session as scheduled. Magnus was looking great, and I couldn’t believe how well he was getting around all ready! Both Magnus and Bailey were such good dogs, and I had a great time photographing them and hanging out with Katy and Ryan, too. Some of these photos were going to be Christmas gifts, so I waited on blogging them until now. :)
Katy and Ryan – I had so much fun at your session, and it was great meeting you both (and Magnus and Bailey, too!). I donate to different animal causes a few times a year, so I’ve decided to donate $1 to The National Canine Cancer Foundation for every comment left on your blog post. I hope you enjoy your photos!
These photos are great. I love the way they outfitted the furry family members to coordinate as well :) I am happy to hear that Magnus did so well with what life threw his way!
What a great family session! Gorgeous dogs. :)
Oh my gosh, what a gorgeous dog!! Poor guy :[ Gorgeous shots!!
Aww, these are so cute! Love the interaction in that last one :)
What a fun session! I love the dogs having shirts on — they definitely look like part of the family! :)
What gorgeous fur babies! I can see their family is filled with a lot of love.
Awesome pictures!
Aww, I love that they had pictures done with their dog-kids! These are great images, and I super love that last one. :-)
Thank you so much Melissa for donating to The National Canine Foundation. It was awesome working with you and we love the photos!! We have had nothing but great responses from family and friends regarding the pictures you took. Love reading your blog and find it comical that you help squirrels. Hope to work with you again! Thank you for everything Melissa!!
Gorgeous!!!
Oh Katy! I adore the top picture!! You’ve got supermodel hair. Ryan – your smile is contagious in that one! Hugs and love to you all – especially Magnus. I’m glad you will have these photos to look back on one day… <3
These images are incredible! I dabble in photography, and you are very gifted, and I hope you keep doing your thing. The subjects are pretty awesome, too, my fluffy niece and nephew (I’m Ryan’s sister) have never looked so good!
I love all of these!! You guys look so great in your matching sweatshirts. Katy you always look the same you never age. You and Ryan look so happy in all these shots. Your sweet puppies are adorable too :)
Beautiful family…will be praying for Magnus!
Oh how I love the “grand dogs”. The pictures capture everyone beautifully. Magnus is so amazing – love him dearly!
Great Pictures, will be praying for Magnus too!
Beautiful!
Go Cougs!!!!
These are amazing!!
Incredible photos and story! Those are two of the sweetest dog faces I have ever seen! Hugs from Texas.
What a great cause to donate to, and a great family to donate for!
you guys look fabulous! Thanks for making such a great donation:)
What a fabulous group of pictures! It all made sense after reading about how much empathy the photography feels about animals. We’re proud to be grandparents of our granddogs.
I love all of the pictures. Magnus and Bailey are my grand dogs. One Thanksgiving Magnus ate all of the homemade rolls while we were cooking dinner. Both dogs have many a tail to tell. Thank you or the gorgeous pictures. It helps us feel closer to our family. Suzi
All of the pictures are beautiful! Thanks for sharing with Lou who shared them with me and brought a tear to my eyes. We have a very soft spot for Malamutes. When raised with love, they are the most gentle and sweet dogs I’ve known.
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful family! Brought tears to my eyes.P.S. Love the Washington State shirts! Go Cougs!!!
Love the pics. The sweatshirts were a nice touch ;)
Look at those adorable pooches! I love this whole session! Great work!
Love these! Definitely brought tears to my eyes! Those dogs are gorgeous and precious. What a wonderful thing for you to donate.
This looks like it was such a fun session, and I’m impressed – it can be difficult to get pets to pose and look at the camera! Beautiful, beautiful work!
Love what you did here. The pets look happy and amazing and the family looks wonderful. Love the red! Great work :)
Melissa these are wonderful and I love that you are donating the blog comments, such a great idea! Gorgeous pups!