When I first arrived at Danielle and Joe’s house for our doggie photo session, Moose greeted me just like they told me he would. With a full-body wiggle propelled by his tail, Moose trotted back and forth from the front door to the bottom of the steps just outside the entryway. When he disappeared down the steps again, I peeked around the corner and there he was, with a loafer in his mouth, proudly standing over a small pile of shoes. “Hi new hoooman,” his goofy grin said, “look what I made for you!”

Left: Moose with a big smile Right: Sadie striking the pose

Moose’s little sister, Sadie, was adopted about a year and a half ago after about 5 years of rehabilitation in a foster home. She is more on the cautious side with strangers, and she is especially wary of men. In fact, it was only a few months ago that she finally warmed up enough to her new Daddy that she was comfortable enough to give him a bit of couch cuddling. “This was a big event in our house,” Danielle said, “and a very happy one!”

That’s why we were all surprised when Sadie came over and greeted me before the bribery cookies even came out of the jar. She made me feel like a very special girl in that moment. I’m a sap for any and all rescue stories and Sadie sure has made it into the happily-ever-after category.

Moose is proud of his family

It was the perfect fall day: crisp and cool with the sun poking in and out. Moose and Sadie chased balls around the yard and eagerly awaited the inevitable shower of treats their parents held nearby. The treats were well-deserved rewards for being such good pups on photo day.