Bear, the Island Dog

Bear is a rescue Lab who calls Pine Island, Florida, home. His story is part of the 2026 Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida calendar—a project that raises funds to help more dogs like him find loving families.

When I first spoke with Bear’s mom about where to hold his photo session, I was initially considering unique parks or locations conveniently halfway between us. But then she told me, “Bear’s an island dog.” Just like that, I knew his session needed to take place on his home turf: Pine Island.

Located near Fort Myers, Pine Island had endured significant damage from Hurricane Ian. That made the choice even clearer - capturing Bear in the place he knows and loves felt especially meaningful.

We met at Tarpon Lodge, a charming old Florida restaurant beloved by locals for its fresh seafood and breathtaking sunsets. While we didn’t plan to stay for the sunset, the lush grounds and rustic charm provided the perfect backdrop for some portraits. It’s also a popular wedding venue—and for good reason!

A little miscommunication led us off the lodge’s property, so we headed toward the tip of the island, hoping Mother Nature would gift us a spectacular sunset. Though the sky didn’t put on a show, we still captured some beautiful moments.

Bear is a young black Lab rescued by a woman who had opened her heart to several rescue Labs over the years. Knowing her age, she believed Bear might be her last dog—making these photos especially meaningful.

At first, Bear was overwhelmed by his surroundings, so it took some patience and gentle encouragement to get his attention and cooperation. But in the end, we captured a few truly special shots.

Bear was chosen as the featured dog for the month of May. My favorite photo is a silhouette of him looking out over the water—a quiet moment that perfectly captures his island spirit.

These calendars make great gifts. To order yours, click HERE.