Some stories stay with you long after the session ends, and this one will forever have a special place in my heart.

Meet Lena and Birdie, two adorable sisters who are getting ready to celebrate their first birthdays — a milestone that, not long ago, didn’t seem possible. Lena, a spirited Cockapoo, and Birdie, her gentle Cavapoo sister, both had a very rocky start to life. When they were just nine weeks old, each girl needed open chest surgery to repair a patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart defect that had left them in severe heart failure.

At the time, they were so tiny — Lena only 3.5 pounds and Birdie just 2 pounds — yet their will to live was enormous. Under the loving care and support of Freedom Tails Ohio, both girls underwent life-saving surgeries and an incredible recovery journey. Even in the hospital, recovering from such an intense procedure, their joyful spirits shone through. Within days, they were already trying to play and cuddle as if nothing had happened. Their resilience amazed everyone who cared for them.

Fast forward to today, now both turning one year old, and these two are healthy, energetic, and loving life — proof that heart dogs truly are some of the strongest and most inspiring souls out there.

We held their session back in June at the Park of Roses, surrounded by blooms and bathed in golden morning light — the perfect backdrop for two little miracles. Lena and Birdie were absolutely adorable together, snuggling close to Kacy and showing off their bright personalities. Every image radiates warmth, love, and gratitude.

Their photoshoot was part of a special charity book project, Tails of the World, a heartwarming collaboration that highlights dogs from across the the world while giving back to local rescues. This year we are giving back to Freedom Tails of Ohio. It felt especially fitting that these two little survivors were part of something bigger — a project built on love, hope, and second chances

A few of the photos hold an extra layer of meaning. You’ll notice a pink ball in several shots — a beloved toy that once belonged to Kacy’s previous dog, Paulie, who passed away last December. Including it in this session was her way of honoring that memory and celebrating the love that continues through Lena and Birdie.

This session was more than just a photoshoot — it was a celebration of healing, hope, and the unbreakable bond between a mom and her two resilient girls. I’m truly honored to have been the one to capture these memories for Kacy, Lena, and Birdie — a story of love, strength, and second chances that I’ll never forget.

Happy first birthday, Lena and Birdie — two tiny hearts that beat stronger than ever. 💕