Yesterday, I met three of the shelter’s new dogs: Amos, Charlotte, and Marty. A lot of the shelter’s canine residents were at an off-site adoption event and not many of the remaining four-leggers needed to have their photos taken, meaning we were going to have a relaxed, no-rush photo session.

Amos was my first model of the day, later it was Marty’s turn, and eventually Charlotte posed. All three were quite timid, understandably—they’re new to the shelter. But they took a leap of faith, came out of their kennels, and walked into the photo barn. So many other dogs’ scents to take in, so many photo props to see, so many treats to smell! My camera at the ready, I let each of them explore the barn and warm up to the new environment. A few minutes (and treats) later, I snapped a few photos, then I would sit with them, so they could get a few cuddles in. Then I’d take more pictures, followed by rolling a squeaky ball across the floor. More snapshots. Another treat or two for a modeling job well done. More photos. More cuddles. More just hanging out.

Why am I telling you this? Admittedly, it’s not exciting information. But I hope it will give you some insight into how the photos I am sharing with you here came to be. Yesterday’s slow afternoon presented the perfect opportunity to take lots of photos and capture how these dogs, shy and unsure at first, warmed up to their surroundings and gradually became more comfortable.

Amos, with his too-big-for-him bandana (It slipped a little, but we can just pretend that’s the new trend, right?), was so relaxed that he took a nap in the photo barn. Marty showed me all the different expressions he can create with his eyes (possibly silently judging my photography skills), and Charlotte went from refusing treats to taking them from my hand. Little successes worth celebrating. With treats and cuddles, obviously.

So, I hope when you look through their photos, you will catch a glimpse of what I saw when I spent time with these dogs. And I hope you’ll celebrate their big little successes with them.

If Amos, Charlotte, and Marty sparked your interest, pay them a visit at the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter.

Amos:

Marty:

Charlotte:

Shelter Stories Weatherford Shelter