Hope and Sarge at Their Home in New Horton

Hope and baby Sarge posing in front of their pond.

I photographed mixed-breed rescue dog Hope and her little “sister”, Alapaha blue blood bulldog puppy Sarge at their home in New Horton for my Tails of the Chocolate River book. Here’s what their mom had to say about them:

"Hope is a beautiful mixed-breed rescue dog that my husband adopted before we were a couple. Once we spent some time together, we both very quickly realized that Hope was going to be my dog! We aren't entirely sure of her breed, but we're thinking blue heeler and maybe pitbull or boxer. People frequently comment on her beautiful markings.

"Because Hope was raised in the country, she never really learned how to walk on a leash and would pull so hard it would turn my hands black and blue! We were moving to a small condo in Toronto so she need to learn how to be a city dog... and quickly!"

Beautiful Hope is a mixed breed rescue dog, thought to be a mix of blue heeler and pitbull or boxer.

"I spent months teaching Hope how to walk on a leash, not bark in the condo, be friendly with other dogs and people. In return for my training, I received mountains of love and cuddles.

"Hope is back in the country now, and she barks a lot, but it's OK! She is still the best girl I could ever ask for. She loves getting snacks and going for walks on the beach or our property. She loves playing (sometimes a little too rough) and chasing and squirrels (she's never caught one!)

"Even though Hope doesn't enjoy baths, her favourite pastime is rolling in dirt and smelly stuff. The stinkier, the better!

"My favourite part about Hope is her beautiful, soulful eyes! They always pull me in for a cuddle."

Sarge and Hope among the autumn asters.

If one Hope is good, then two can only be better, right?

By the time we had our session for the book, Hope's family had added Sarge, a gorgeous Alapaha blue blood bulldog puppy.

Although they are unrelated, people often think she is Hope's puppy. An easy mistake!

A few months later, we did a snow day session with adolescent Sarge - she had already grown so much!

A crazy outtake from Sarge’s snow day session on the left, and a more sedate portrait on the right. Her markings went so beautifully with the muted winter colours and the snow on the trees.

Would you love to see your furry family featured in my next book? I’m starting a new project soon, but it will have very limited availability, so join my VIP List to make sure you get early access to apply!