Every pet has a story, and Sammy is no different. This 13-year-old beagle mix has been a constant source of light and companionship for his family, and when his mom reached out for a session, her words were filled with both gratitude for the time they’ve had together and a heartfelt desire to preserve memories of their bond.

If you’re considering professional dog pictures in Tacoma, Sammy’s story might resonate with you—a story about celebrating the pets who hold our hearts and make our lives whole.

A senior black and white beagle mix standing in a grassy field with the Point defiance flower garden in the background — *Photos by* *Marie Wulfram Photography*

When Sammy’s mom described him as “the glue that has held my life together for 13 years,” the depth of their connection became immediately clear. Sammy entered his mom’s life during a time of profound grief and brought with him the kind of healing and joy that only a dog can provide.

A sweet puggle from a family in Iowa, Sammy quickly became her lifeline. “He has been the light of my life since July 11, 2011,” she shared.

Sammy isn’t just a dog; he’s a travel buddy, a walking companion, and a friend to both dogs and people alike. His gentle, independent, and smart personality shines in everything he does—from being a “sniffing machine” on walks to enjoying road trips to Arizona with his family.

Why This Session Meant So Much

When Sammy’s mom reached out for a session for her little sugar-faced senior, here's what she shared: “He just turned 13 on March 29th [2024], and it just really dawned on me that he is getting older. I want to have some special photos to look back on and cherish of my family.”

Her heartfelt words struck a chord. As our pets age, we often realize just how fleeting our time together can be. Sammy’s session wasn’t just about creating beautiful images—it was about celebrating the years of joy and love he has given his family and preserving that essence in photographs they can hold onto forever.

Seen from behind, Dog mom and dad hold senior beagle in their arms between them, beagle looking towards the viewer and parents turned looking at the dog

On a surprisingly lovely October afternoon, we met at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma for Sammy’s time in the spotlight. The soft overcast skies provided gentle light that highlighted his expressive eyes and his beautiful spotted paws, a detail his family cherishes.

Taking things at Sammy’s pace, we wandered through the park, pausing at scenic spots where he could sniff and explore. My assistant was there to help ensure he stayed comfortable and engaged while we worked to capture a mix of candid and posed images. His gentle personality shone through in every moment, whether he was exploring the path or being held by his family.

Senior beagle mix sitting in Point Defiance Park with the flowers behind him

When it came time for the image reveal at their home, Sammy’s mom was visibly moved. As we went through the photos together, she teared up, seeing images that were “so him.” (especially the photo above). The moments we captured—the gentle tilt of his head, the sparkle in his eyes—brought her both joy and a sense of bittersweet appreciation for the time they have together.

Sammy’s family selected a beautiful portrait trio featuring their three favorite images. These portraits now serve as a spot of love in their home, a reminder of the bond they share with their sweet boy that they’ll be able to see and reflect on for years to come.

A portrait trio showing a family dog photo in the center and a dog portrait on either side

For Sammy’s family, this session was more than just a photo shoot—it was a way to honor a cherished companion and create lasting memories of their life together. Professional dog pictures capture more than appearances; they preserve the love, personality, and unique quirks that make your pet truly special.

Whether your pet is young or entering their senior years, a photography session is a meaningful way to celebrate their place in your family. If you’re in Tacoma or the surrounding area, I’d love to help you create timeless portraits that tell your pet’s story.

Reach out today to get started.