More often than not I get asked, “Is it ok if we include our dog?” And I practically have a physical reaction! Yes, absolutely 1000% yes, you can include your dog!

I didn’t grow up with a dog, but the summer before I met my husband I adopted Tula. She was my first dog love and the reason that I met Chris. Flash forward 20 years and we’re still together, so although she’s in dog heaven, Tula remains a special part of our relationship.

All that to say, we’re dog people through and through. We had Tula and Shadow until around Etta was born in 2014, then we got Pepper, and then Chupa in 2016 at age 3. Chupa was the dog I really became a “dog mom.” She came to us with a huge heart for a tiny dog, a 10-lb clone of Tula, and I fell hard and fast for her. She had a beer named after her at Smuttlabs, “Chupa Mexican Stout,” she’s on my keychain…we’re obsessed. This blog post is dedicated to Chupa who we lost last week after having her for 10 years. She saw me through surgeries, kids growing up, new friendships and lost friendships, great joys of many Christmases together, endless hours of snuggle time on the couch, pool dips, walks in the woods and family trips. She is forever in our hearts and I never imagined I could feel such deep heartbreak for a tiny furball. See photos of her at the end.

So yes, your family dog should be in the photos! In fact, I insist!

Every dog is different, so it is helpful if I know in advance what your dog needs from me. Should I knock, or text you and quietly get let in so as not to alarm her? Should the dog wait in another room while I settle in and we meet in a common room? Should I arrive with treats? All these little things matter to helping the dog get used to me being there. If there is a quirk about your pup that will help us bond, let me know! Just like working with a 2 or 3 year old, building trust from the moment I walk in is so important to a successful session, and I am more than happy to put the time in at the start to establish that trust. It goes a long way!

We love you Chupie! Forever & ever!