✨ The Mother’s Day Portrait Experience is here ✨
Something special is coming for Mother’s Day…
A luxury session designed to capture her connection with her dog — beautifully and intentionally. A gift she’ll never forget.
For the ones who are always behind the camera
and the ones who love them most 🤍
Because these aren’t just photos… they’re part of her story.
If you're anything like most dog moms…
You have a camera roll full of your pup—
but almost none with YOU in them.
A limited number of Mother’s Day Portrait Experience gift certificates are available now.
$155 includes a custom portrait session for you and your bestie + a complimentary 8×10in print
We will plan your session to capture the unique bond you have with your dog(s). We can work together to choose a day and location that works for you. You will be the only session for that morning so you can feel relaxed knowing we have plenty of time to get our shot. After your session we will design artwork or an album or whatever fits your needs. You will select your favorite images (including for your 8×10).
To reserve your certificate, email info@sweetelliephotography.com.
The portrait experience can be scheduled for any time before the end of 2026.
For those who’ve been waiting for something a little more limited…we have something for you as well.
🌸 Mother’s Day Petite Portrait Experience 🌸
A short, beautifully styled session created for dog moms who want something meaningful — without the full session commitment.
• Limited to just a handful of spots
• Soft, timeless spring styling
• Designed to be simple, elevated, and unforgettable.
$125 includes a 20 minute session with your and your dog(s) + 2 full-resolution digital files.
Petite sessions will be held in Colonial Williamsburg on May 9th and May 17th.
These will go quickly!
If you’ve been on the fence, this is your sign!
Email info@sweetelliephotography.com
or submit your interest at https://www.sweetelliephotography.com/contact
A Little Secret About Dog Photo Sessions…
One thing I hear all the time is…my dog won’t sit still. Sometimes, I hear…my dog is too crazy.
My big secret is…your dog doesn’t have to sit still!
We photograph all of our dogs on leash. So when you see a dog sitting perfectly, they are actually on leash. Using the leash provides safety first and foremost, but it also allows us to guide the dog into the area that we are photographing.
We don’t only photograph dogs who are off leash with perfect recall. Nope! We have had the chance to photograph all different breeds, sizes, energy levels, training levels, shyness levels; and we have loved each one! My favorite thing to hear after a photo reveal is…you really got their personality. My goal in our session is to create portraits that capture the true charm of YOUR pup.
We just let your dog be a dog. It is what they are best at!
I like to follow the lead of the dog, so if they want to run…we run.
If they want to play…we play!
If they want to swim…we swim!
So next time you think my dog won’t do that, remember that it’s okay! They don’t have to be anything but themselves!
Send me a message with all of your questions!
Tooth Truth:
A Vet Answers Your Pet Dental Questions
Recently Dr. Moyer of Five Forks Animal Clinic answered a few frequently asked questions about your pet’s dental health…read on for a few tips!
Why is dental care so important for dogs and cats?
—There’s a direct link between dental disease and heart disease, not to mention PAIN when the teeth are diseased. Plus stinky “dog breath” or “cat breath” is actually dental disease/tartar buildup!
What is the most common dental issue in dogs and cats?
Dogs
Periodontal disease…this is where the ligament that holds the tooth in the jaw detaches and makes the tooth loose. As you can imagine, this causes pain and also requires extraction…
A close second (that I see) is broken (fractured) teeth from chewing on things that are too hard. Use my “rule of thumb” …if the bone/chew is too hard to indent with your thumbnail, then it’s too hard for them to chew! Pet’s jaws are WAY stronger than their teeth and they WILL try to bite through a hard chew, breaking their tooth in the process. This creates pain and usually an abscessed tooth root. I always recommend only using VOHC approved dental chews: Accepted Products | Veterinary Oral Health Council
**DO NOT USE ANTLERS. I can’t tell you how many teeth I’ve had to extract because they were broken on an antler.
Cats
Resorptive Lesions…these are like REALLY painful cavities. The bone literally absorbs the root, but in the process creates painful cavities in the crown of the tooth. Sometimes, I can remove the crown, but many times I have to remove the whole tooth with roots included.
Why does my dog’s breath smell so bad?
Tartar/dental disease! It’s typically actually the bacteria that smells so bad.
How often should I brush by dogs teeth?
Every day! That seems impossible at first, but you can desensitize them to it with a little time. Start with them just licking the toothpaste off of the toothbrush. We really like the Jasper Finger Brush and CET Enzymatic toothpaste (the vanilla mint smells wonderful). Then, start to let them nibble on the toothbrush, and eventually you can brush the whole mouth!
What else can I do at home for my pets oral health?
“Dental Care powder” from Vertiscience (formerly Perio Support)…it has a probiotic that helps get rid of the “bad” tartar-causing bacteria and enzymes that can dissolve some of the tartar (aka plaque).
VeggieDent chews: daily vegetable based chews to help “brush” the teeth
Anything else approved by the VOHC (link above)
How often do dogs and cats need dentals by a veterinarian?
…some never need a cleaning if their teeth are brushed and cared for regularly! Some need cleanings every few years, some yearly, some every 6 months! It definitely depends on the dog/breed. If they are on soft food only, that typically leads to more tartar buildup (hard food helps “brush” the teeth when they chew it).
Thanks to Dr. Moyer for answering a few questions for all of us curious pet parents!
Questions or thoughts…I want to hear from you! If you have any ideas for future blog posts that you would like to see, let me know!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for specific guidance and recommendations tailored to your pet’s individual needs.
Moments in Focus
Meet Hummus!
(Yes…best name ever!)
Hummus is a sweet black lab puppy. He is currently being trained for a very important job!
Hummus is a part of Canine Companions in Williamsburg, VA.
[Canine Companions] “provides service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings.”
Hummus is being trained by the amazing @raising.puppies (IG). This is the third dog in training that I have photographed with @raising.puppies. Hummus will stay in his current home for about 18 months and then will move on to the next stage of training. I am lucky enough to be able to photograph Hummus again at 18 months and see how he has grown.
Fun Fact…Hummus is the son of the last dog I photographed for @raising.puppies…Gage. We also photographed Gage as a pup and at 18 months.
Check out Gage’s puppy images at the end of this post.
The type of job Hummus will hold will be determined when he is older. Now he is just focusing on learning great puppy manners!
Visit https://canine.org/about/who-we-are/ for more info on Canine Companions!
*Top Row: Gage
*Bottom Row: Hummus
Follow us on social media @sweetelliephotos or send me a note here
Follow Hummus @raising.puppies
Follow Canine Companions @canineorg