Photography sessions can be meaningful for many different reasons. Sometimes I photograph older dogs, who don’t have much time left, but their parents request sessions to have those last photos they can treasure for years after they’re gone. Sometimes I photograph dogs together with their human children siblings, and I love seeing the bond between best friends; what’s cuter than a boy and his dog? Sometimes dogs help us through hard times in our lives – deaths of friends and family members, divorce, natural disasters – and I feel so privileged that my clients have shared their stories with me, and I get to play a small part in helping them commemorate how special and important their dogs are in their lives.

My most recent session, however, is special in a different way. The dogs I photographed are young (Sanders is one and Florence is just eight weeks old), but their mom won’t get to see them grow old. And maybe I shouldn’t even call Elisa their mom; she’s training them for a life of service for someone else in need. She is a volunteer with CCI (Canine Companions for Independence), a non-profit organization that prepares dogs to live with and work for people with disabilities. Check out this video (and try not to cry!) to see the story of a wounded soldier named Jeffrey Adams, who is now independent and happy with the companionship of his CCI dog. The work that these trainers like Elisa do is nothing short of staggering; their hearts are so big to live with and train puppies, and eventually give them up to someone who needs them… I can’t hardly imagine doing what they do. Sanders is over one year old, so she’ll be heading into her final evaluation/graduation soon. Florence, on the other hand, still has a lot to learn! But they both have a long road ahead of them.

I’m not through with all the photos of Sanders & Florence yet, but here’s a Sneak Peek of just a few. Remember to like my Facebook page to see more of these two – because these dogs are so gorgeous (Elisa requested the black-on-black look, and I’m loving it!) that I’m sure I won’t be able to resist posting more photos of them soon!

I thought Florence seemed like a pretty calm puppy… then again, I only saw her for an hour! But she’s definitely a sweetheart.

Sanders (left) definitely knows how to pose!

The photo on the right features the dogs in their capes. Sanders knows that when she’s wearing this, she’s working. Florence – well, she’ll know that one day! For now, let’s hope she grows into her too-big cape soon! :) I love their expressions in that photo, though: to me, Sanders looks ready to be off on the next stage of her life, and Florence looks ready to learn and be of service one day.

Oh, and just for fun: this photo made quite a splash on Facebook! My caption: “Under the cover of darkness, puppy Florence plots an attack on older sis Sanders…” hee hee! Can you think of another (better) caption?? Post it here in the comments or on Facebook!

The work these dogs do is just incredible, and I’m honored to have met them and Elisa. I’ll be posting more photos soon; thanks for visiting and stay tuned!

Tags: CCI, dogs, Florida, labrador, mixed breed, on the job, Pensacola, pet photography, pets, puppy, service dogs, studio