Where He Belongs: MacDougal’s Forever Story

When I got the call from the Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida (LRRofFL) inviting me to participate in next year’s calendar, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Last year’s experience was such a joy - meeting incredible rescue Labs and their families, and hearing the stories of how they found each other was very rewarding.

I was excited to see which dogs I’d get to photograph, and first up was MacDougal—a senior chocolate Lab with a wise face and gentle soul. He lives with his mom and his canine sister, Maggie, a Great Dane. His mom asked if she could extend the session to include both herself and Maggie, and of course, I was thrilled to do this for her.

We met at one of my favorite parks in Venice. No matter the season, the foliage here always offers a beautiful backdrop. Mac was mellow and calm, clearly showing the wisdom of his years. It was easy to see how deeply he’s bonded with his mom. He followed her closely, seeking comfort, guidance, and simply wanting to be near her.

Since Mac prefers a more relaxed pace - his activity level is closer to couch potato than high-energy pup - we focused on poses that matched his vibe. No action shots needed; his quiet presence told its own story.

In the end, we captured some beautiful images that perfectly reflect what fall looks like in Florida. Yes, fall is a thing here! While we may not have the fiery reds and oranges of other regions, our landscape shifts in its own subtle way - from lush greens to soft browns and sandy beiges, and back again when the rainy season returns.

MacDougal was chosen for the month of August, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to photograph him and learn the story of how he found his forever family. It was a joy to create images they’ll always treasure.

To order a copy of your calendar, click HERE.