Finding Home: A Senior Dog's Journey from Texas to Minnesota

As a dog photographer based in Hopkins, Minnesota, I have the privilege of witnessing countless beautiful connections between humans and their four-legged family members, and I love all the dogs I meet. Sometimes I meet a dog and mom who touch my heart and I am reminded of the power of unconditional love.

A Birthday Wish That Changed Two Lives

On a muggy August day, Shannon made a decision that would transform both her life and that of an unsuspecting dog waiting hundreds of miles away. "I'm tired of being alone," she thought. "I need someone to keep me on track. I need to be a caretaker." With this resolution, she began searching rescue sites with three specific criteria in mind: a senior dog (because everyone wants puppies, but senior dogs need love too), small enough to manage safely, and independent enough to be content as an only pet.

According to the ASPCA, unfair stigmas ofent prevent older dogs from adoption. Myths about older dogs include the belief that they are less likely to bond with their new family, the misperception that they are sick, unfriendly or unsafe around young children.

Thankfully none of these stigmas prevented Shannon from taking a chance on an older dog.

Enter Hazel, a seven-and-a-half-year-old sweetheart from Texas who was about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

The Journey North

When Shannon first met Hazel, it wasn't the typical adoption story. As a volunteer with Ruff Start Rescue, Shannon arrived to transport several dogs, including Hazel, who would be her foster while undergoing heartworm treatment. Thankfully Shannon has an SUV,, because the Ruff Start team needed extra help. Shannon willingly helped out and filled her SUV with 4 dogs - two puppies, Hazel and a small Chihuahua - all on their way to their foster families. Shannon cranked up the country music for her new found friends and drove all around the Twin Cities.

I loved hearing about the thoughtful details of their first meeting. Shannon, knowing Hazel couldn't bring any belongings from Texas, had prepared a special welcome: a new crate with a cozy mat, a soft blanket, and a toy cow, a little piece of Texas to help Hazel feel at home.

Finding Their Rhythm

Like most adoptions, the first days were bumpy. Change is challenging for everyone, and doubly so for dogs. They have limited capacity to understand their circumstances and are often housed in stressful situations. Most rescues educate their adopting and foster families about the 3-3-3 rule. Rescue Dogs 101 says it is a general guideline for phases of a rescue dog’s journey to a new family. It breaks down the adjustment into 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after bringing a dog home from the shelter. For example, dogs are often overwhelmed and anxious for the first three days. After about three months they are confident and fully adjusted to their new home.

Hazel’s journey was no exception.

For about a month, Hazel seemed to be waiting for her previous family to return, treating Shannon's home as a temporary stay. With time, patience and positivity, Hazel gradually relaxed into her new home and routine.

Hazel, who was recovering from heartworm and could not negotiate stairs, decided that her nighttime bed would be the couch in Shannon’s downstairs office. Not wanting Hazel to feel scared or lonely, Shannon slept on her office’s daybed for three months!

Now, their days are filled with delightful quirks that make their relationship unique. Hazel has established a firm 4:30 AM wake-up call for morning pets and bathroom breaks – a schedule that Shannon welcomes with loving amusement. Their car rides always include a mandatory "pup cup" stop, making every outing a special adventure.

A Heart Big Enough for Everyone

During our photoshoot, I witnessed firsthand the gentle soul that Shannon had described. Hazel came to me immediately and when I offered praise after a pose she jumped down from my posing stool into my lap. She is a sweet and smart girl!

Her warmth extends beyond her immediate family – she's become a neighborhood favorite, showing particular patience with the toddler next door. Her interaction with a distressed cat at the vet's office, where she tried to comfort the frightened feline, speaks volumes about her emotional intelligence.

What strikes me most as their photographer is how Hazel's personality shines through in every image. Her eyes hold a wisdom that comes with age, but there's also a youthful spark that Shannon has helped reignite. Whether she's making snow angels in the Minnesota winter (a new experience for this Texas dog!) or carefully arranging her toys in her unused dog beds (a quirky habit that makes Shannon laugh), Hazel approaches life with a joy that's contagious.

The Language of Love

Some of the most touching moments I captured during our session were the subtle exchanges between Shannon and Hazel – the way Hazel looks to Shannon when she needs reassurance, how Shannon instinctively knows when her pup needs an encouraging word or a treat. These are the moments that, as a dog photographer, I live to capture. Though Shannon chose not to be in the photos, you can see the connection in Hazel’s eyes.

Their story reminds us that love doesn't always arrive in predictable packages. Sometimes it comes in the form of a senior dog from Texas, learning to navigate Minnesota winters. Sometimes it's found in the simple act of sleeping on a daybed to keep a new friend company. And sometimes, it's discovered in the daily rhythm of pup cups and early morning wake-up calls.

A New Chapter

As Shannon and Hazel look toward the future, their bond continues to deepen. They're excited about exploring local dog parks once the weather warms up, and Hazel is already showing interest in making new four-legged friends. There's even talk of possibly fostering another dog – not to adopt, but to give Hazel a companion during Shannon's remote work days.

For me documenting stories like Hazel and Shannon's is more than just a photoshoot – it's about capturing the essence of unconditional love. It's about showing how rescue dogs, especially seniors, have so much love to give. It's about celebrating the beautiful ways humans and dogs can heal and grow together.

If you're inspired by Hazel's story and would like to capture your own special bond with your four-legged family member, I'd love to help create those lasting memories. Every dog has a story worth telling, and every human-animal bond deserves to be celebrated through the lens of love.

Looking to document your journey with your furry family member? Contact me to schedule your own special photoshoot at my Hopkins studio, where we'll capture the unique connection you share with your pet.