Looking For Love: How An Adoptable Pittie Mix Became A Cover Model
Feb 05, 2025

Bessie’s Big Moment: A Shelter Dog’s Journey to the Spotlight
Every two months, when it’s time to plan my pet photography session for the cover of Suncoast Pet Magazine, my mind overflows with ideas. For the February issue, with its Valentine’s Day theme, the publisher had a heartfelt request—she wanted to feature a shelter dog in need of a loving home. And she knew just the one.She wanted Bessie, a 50+ lb terrier mix who has been a resident at the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch for over three and a half years.
Through my volunteer work photographing shelter animals, I’ve known Bessie since she arrived in 2021. In that time, I’ve witnessed her incredible transformation. She came in as a skeptical, timid pup, unsure of the world around her. But with love, patience, and training, she has blossomed into a well-mannered young lady who listens beautifully, walks great on a leash, and responds wonderfully to commands.
Bessie is playful, affectionate, and full of love—everything a family could ever want in a dog. And I knew she would be perfect for the cover.
I’ve photographed her numerous times over the years. Not only is she stunningly photogenic, but she listens and responds well to all my pet photographer tricks and schticks. My mind had already envisioned the perfect way to showcase Bessie’s big heart and gentle spirit—but I needed help.
Introducing Bessie’s Special Angels

A phone call to Mary Anne and Joe was all it took.
This incredible couple volunteers at the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch and has become Bessie’s biggest supporters and closest companions. I knew they could help.
Every single weekend, they take Bessie out of the shelter for special adventures at local parks and recreational areas. She soaks in the sights, wags her tail at new friends, and embraces every outing with boundless enthusiasm—especially her visits to Starbucks for pup cups.
They also bring Bessie to their home, where she gets to relax on their screened-in lanai, dip her toes in the pool, and enjoy a taste of home life. On their walks, they introduce her to children in their neighborhood, where she is showered with hugs, kisses, and socialization.
Bringing Bessie’s Story to Life
Bessie LOVES kids. So, I knew I wanted to showcase her gentle, affectionate side by capturing her playing with a child. That’s where Mary Anne and Joe really came into play.
Their granddaughter, Addison, recently moved to Lakewood Ranch, and from the very first meeting, she and Bessie were inseparable. I had seen the heartwarming photos in the volunteer Facebook group, and I knew Addison would be the perfect little friend to help tell Bessie’s story.
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We chose Nathan Benderson Park as our location, with its vibrant scenery—the colorful playground, serene waters, wooded trails, and charming bridges all provided the perfect backdrop.
When photoshoot day arrived, my heart swelled as I watched Mary Anne, Joe, and Addison walk Bessie toward our meeting spot. Bessie’s excitement was palpable—her wagging tail, bright eyes, and joyful spirit made it clear she was ready for this adventure.
Capturing the Love and Connection
After our excited greetings (and plenty of Bessie kisses!), we set off to find just the right spot—one that would highlight Bessie’s sleek coat, warm amber eyes, and her playful nature.
We moved through the park, capturing moments on the bridge, in the wooded trails, and finally in an open field bathed in golden sunset light. Then, we took a play break—and that’s when the magic happened.
Watching Bessie and her four-year-old friend giggle, chase, and cuddle melted my heart. These candid moments of pure joy are what I live to capture as a professional pet and family photographer. They weren’t just playing; they were bonding. And in those moments, Bessie wasn’t a “homeless animal”—she was someone’s heart and best friend.
A Bond That Melts the Heart
While Bessie and Addison stole the show, it was the bond between Bessie and Joe that truly tugged at my heart.

Throughout the session, no matter how much fun Bessie was having, she always found her way back to Joe, jumping up to give him big, slobbery kisses.
Their connection is undeniable—it speaks to just how loyal and affectionate Bessie is.
(Why don’t they adopt Bessie, you ask? (Read the full story.)
Bessie, a Shelter Dog with a Heart of Gold, Deserves a Forever Home
As a professional pet photographer, I have the unique opportunity to capture shelter pets in a way that truly connects them with potential adopters. A single photo can make all the difference—revealing not just their beauty, but their spirit, warmth, and personality. When you see them in the right light—their eyes full of hope, their personalities shining through—you don’t just see a shelter pet. You see a best friend waiting to be found.
This pet photo shoot wasn’t just about a stunning cover photo for Suncoast Pet Magazine—it was about giving Bessie a chance to finally be seen for who she truly is.
Bessie is loyal, playful, gentle, and full of love—everything a family could ever want in a dog.
When photoshoot day arrived, my heart swelled as I watched Mary Anne, Joe, and Addison walk Bessie toward our meeting spot. Bessie’s excitement was palpable—her wagging tail, bright eyes, and joyful spirit made it clear she was ready for this adventure.
Capturing the Love and Connection
After our excited greetings (and plenty of Bessie kisses!), we set off to find just the right spot—one that would highlight Bessie’s sleek coat, warm amber eyes, and her playful nature.
We moved through the park, capturing moments on the bridge, in the wooded trails, and finally in an open field bathed in golden sunset light. Then, we took a play break—and that’s when the magic happened.
Watching Bessie and her four-year-old friend giggle, chase, and cuddle melted my heart. These candid moments of pure joy are what I live to capture as a professional pet and family photographer. They weren’t just playing; they were bonding. And in those moments, Bessie wasn’t a “homeless animal”—she was someone’s heart and best friend.
A Bond That Melts the Heart
While Bessie and Addison stole the show, it was the bond between Bessie and Joe that truly tugged at my heart.

Throughout the session, no matter how much fun Bessie was having, she always found her way back to Joe, jumping up to give him big, slobbery kisses.
Their connection is undeniable—it speaks to just how loyal and affectionate Bessie is.
(Why don’t they adopt Bessie, you ask? (Read the full story.)
Bessie, a Shelter Dog with a Heart of Gold, Deserves a Forever Home
As a professional pet photographer, I have the unique opportunity to capture shelter pets in a way that truly connects them with potential adopters. A single photo can make all the difference—revealing not just their beauty, but their spirit, warmth, and personality. When you see them in the right light—their eyes full of hope, their personalities shining through—you don’t just see a shelter pet. You see a best friend waiting to be found.
This pet photo shoot wasn’t just about a stunning cover photo for Suncoast Pet Magazine—it was about giving Bessie a chance to finally be seen for who she truly is.
Bessie is loyal, playful, gentle, and full of love—everything a family could ever want in a dog.
Could You Be Bessie’s Perfect Match?
Bessie has been waiting at the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch for far too long. Could you or someone you know be the one to finally give her the home she deserves?
If you’re looking for a loving, well-trained companion with a heart full of love, Bessie might just be your perfect match.
Visit the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch to meet her—you might just find your new best friend.
Bessie’s adoption fee has already been paid by one of her supporters, along with additional training to help her settle into her new home.
Let’s Capture Your Pet’s Story
If you’d love to capture the special connection between you and your pet, let’s create something beautiful together!
Moments Unleashed specializes in pet and family photography, helping you preserve your priceless memories forever.
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Sherri Krams
Sherri doesnât just love animalsâshe champions them, turning her lens into a voice for those still waiting for a home. Her photography journey is rooted in rescue, where capturing the soul of a homeless pet can be the first step toward finding them a family. She manages social media for her local shelter and has raised over $35,000 in the past two years through her annual pet calendar contestsâusing her skills to make a real difference for animals in need.
That same heart-driven approach flows into her business, where she creates custom pet portrait experiences for pet parents who see their dogs and cats as familyâbecause with three rescue dogs and a cat, she does too.
Through her lens she finds and captures the beauty in the little thingsâmuddy paws, floppy ears, soulful eyesâand turns them into artwork that reflects the heart, the soul and the unique personality of each and every animal and the relationship and love between human and animated. Her work is shaped by a lifelong love of animals and a genuine joy in honoring their place in our lives.