True to her namesake (yes, she is a girl), Swayze is a bundle of sweet, spunky energy! All that personality fits in a petite little package, and if it weren’t for the white fur on her face, you’d never guess that she’s a senior pup. Her mom, Nicky, asked me to photograph Swayze after having spent the last year or so in & out of veterinarians’ offices, battling various medical issues including cancer. So it was a bit bittersweet, but this session was also thoroughly FUN thanks to Swayze’s unstoppable spirit!

Nicky and I go way back: she’s one of the amazing people who run Shelter to Soldier, a wonderful nonprofit that rescues shelter dogs and pairs them with prior-military personnel who need service dogs. The trainers at Shelter to Solider need to be firm with their dogs in training, and their dogs turn out to be model service dogs, ridiculously good at their jobs. Since I’ve worked with StS for several projects, I wasn’t sure if I should expect the same kind of focused, intense energy I’ve seen with most service dogs in Swayze too – she’s not a service dog, but given who her mom is, I was curious what I’d find.

Well…Swayze was focused (on playing) and was intense (in her attitude). But that’s where the similarities end!

Not only is Swayze completely different than a service dog (even her service dog siblings!), I couldn’t help but laugh at her playfulness and attitude. She has clear opinions on when her toy should be thrown for her to fetch (NOW, and as often as possible.) Nothing about her personality reflects the fact that she’s of advanced age and has had far too many medical issues. Swayze literally bounced as she ran along the beach in her happiness, and we all loved watching her play. What a fun photo session! (Plus, it was a nice change of pace to be working with Nicky while at the same time photographing a non-service dog for once!) The truth is, it doesn’t matter whether dogs are extremely well-behaved or independently-minded in a photo session. The trick is to let dogs just be their happy, wonderful selves, and the rest is magic.

We were able to visit the military side of Coronado Dog Beach, which is more private and less crowded than the main beach. It was perfect for Swayze to just be… Swayze. :)

Nicky, I’ll see you soon – I can’t wait to share the rest of our images with you!