Ruff Life Photography

09/06/2026

Wishing hard, somewhere out there is the person Zelda has been hoping for.

Zelda has a fairly simple philosophy on life: run when you can, play fetch whenever possible, love the kids, and chew things that are specifically designated for chewing.

She’s house trained, crate trained, good on a leash, and gets along with other dogs. She’s a little shy at first, but once she settles in, her silly personality takes over.

She does have one firm opinion: cats are unnecessary.

Zelda is with Saved Rescue and is looking for a family who appreciates a goofy girl with good manners, plenty of energy, and a serious commitment to marrow bones.

If that sounds like your kind of dog, Zelda is accepting applications.

09/05/2026

Sometimes life drops an opportunity into your lap so incredible that you almost don’t recognize it's real.

But when it happens, you take it. You say yes. You show up. You soak up every second. You absorb every ray of sunshine especially when they are so bright.

If you’re a pet photographer, you can’t breathe without knowing the names , Kaylee Greer, and Sam Haddix. For more than 2 decades, they have built a career photographing dogs and helped shape this crazy little (big) world of dog photography I’m so fortunate to be a part of.

You could say they were country before country was cool.

For the past few days, I’ve had the unbelievable opportunity to spend time with them learning, growing, asking questions, watching, absorbing, and filling my brain with new ideas to elevate my photography.

Saying I’m emotional about it would be an understatement.

There are moments when I look around at the life I’ve built and the opportunities that have found their way to me and think, is this actually MY life?

Because sometimes it feels like I’m living someone else’s dream.

Then I open my eyes, look around, and realize… this IS happening. I’m standing here. I’m learning from people I have admired for years. I’m being welcomed into their world and being given knowledge, time, ENCOURAGEMENT, and perspective that I can’t put a price on.

I keep wondering how you even begin to say thank you for something like this. (Open for suggestions)

How do you thank them for giving you something so invaluable that you can’t possibly measure its worth?

I honestly don’t know.

Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Thank you for welcoming me, challenging me, inspiring me, and reminding me that there is always more to learn.

I came here hoping to learn about photography. I’m leaving with so much more.... and approximately 47,001 things I want to try.

Some opportunities change your work.

Some change the way you see your work.

And every once in a while, you get one that changes something inside you.

This was one of those opportunities.

I will never forget it.

09/02/2026

🐾 WHISKER WEDNESDAY! 🐾

Allow me to introduce you to Mister. And yes, he absolutely knows he’s handsome. 😼

He is a special dude currently being cared for through The KG Foundation and we’d LOVE to see a rescue step up to back this sweet boy and help him find the forever home he deserves.

Mister is FIV+, but don’t let that little detail define him. He’s a fun, social guy who loves to chat — apparently, he has A LOT to say about his day and is more than happy to keep you updated. 😂

And because we believe fabulous accessories are not limited to the canine population… 🎀 Pingree Detroit bowties and collars are NOT just for dogs.

Mister is here to prove that cats can absolutely rock the dapper look, too. Honestly, he may be wearing it better than most of us.

And welcome to Whisker Wednesday — because the dogs have had the spotlight long enough. 😉

Thank you to Michigan Massage and Wellness for loaning us your studio for photos! We ❤️ YOU!

08/31/2026

KODA HAS ENTERED THE CHAT. PLEASE SECURE ALL LOOSE OBJECTS.

Meet Koda. He’s approximately 7 months old, a Siberian Husky/Pit Bull mix, and apparently his personal mission in life is to make sure his future family NEVER experiences a boring day again.

Koda is young. Koda is energetic. Koda is smart. Koda is eager to learn.

Koda also appears to have recently completed his coursework in Advanced Puppy Shenanigans. 🎓🐶

This handsome guy is looking for a home that can keep up with his enthusiasm and is willing to help him polish up those pesky little things called manners and obedience. He’s got a high drive to learn, so his brain is ready to work — preferably BEFORE his legs decide to launch him across the room.

Koda LOVES other dogs, but he plays ROUGH. Think less “delicate tea party” and more “WE SHALL WRESTLE UNTIL SOMEONE CALLS AN AMBULANCE.” He’ll need a canine sibling who is equally enthusiastic about a good game of WWE: Puppy Edition.

Because Koda is also a bit jumpy, he’ll likely do best with older kids.

In other words, Koda is NOT looking for a couch potato lifestyle.

He’s looking for his people. The ones who will exercise him, train him, socialize him, laugh at his ridiculous puppy antics, and help turn all that adorable chaos into the incredible dog he’s capable of becoming. ❤️

And let's be honest… with a face like this, he’s probably going to get away with a lot.

Koda is available for adoption through the Humane Society of Macomb! 🐾
🐾 Koda is neutered, vaccinated, tested and microchipped.

Koda is waiting. Your cardio is waiting. This feels like fate. 😂❤️
Humane Society of Macomb Pingree Detroit

08/28/2026

That look when they find it. 🥹🐾
(Link in comments for Level 1 photos from the NACSW at Camp with FFD)

As an observer (and photographer), I absolutely love these moments—the instant they catch the scent, follow their nose, and then… BINGO. They found it!

There’s something almost magical about watching a dog and their human work together like this. Gracie and her person were completely in sync, and the celebration that followed was just the best. ❤️

These are the moments I love capturing—not just the find, but the connection, teamwork, trust, and pure joy that comes with it.

Nosework really is for every dog AND their humans. 🐶👃❤️
Force Free Dale Dog Training

08/26/2026

Nosework NW3 Vehicles & Containers 🐾🔎
Friday, August 21 | Chelsea, MI
Host: Force Free Dale Dog Training

These photos are from some of the vehicle and container searches, where the dogs had to rely on their noses, their training, and their humans to put all the pieces together. Watching these teams work is pretty incredible—especially when you realize that while we humans are standing around thinking, “I have absolutely no idea what you’re looking for…” the dogs are over here like, “Please. I’ve got this.” 😂🐶

From focused searches to those little moments between dog and handler, there is so much happening in these trials that you might not notice unless you’re watching closely.

Every team has their own journey, their own communication style, and their own version of success. ❤️

A huge thank-you to everyone who welcomed me behind the scenes to photograph these amazing teams. It was an absolute blast watching the searches unfold—and trying to keep up with all those talented noses!

📍 Chelsea, MI
🐾 NACSW FFD Trial
🔎 Friday NW3 — Vehicle & Container Searches

… more trial photos coming! 📸🐕‍🦺

Photo collection by Ruff Life Photography

08/25/2026

Serious Face, Cool Dude

Meet Amos. 😎

Yes, he looks like he’s about to call a board meeting, review your financial portfolio, and ask why you’re late with the quarterly report.

But apparently… this dude is actually a total sweetheart. 😂❤️

Amos is just 1 year old, 52 pounds of blue-and-white handsome, and underneath that very serious expression is a gentle, loving guy who LOVES his people. His favorite activity? Couch cuddles. 🥰

He also enjoys walks, exploring, and experiencing new things with someone he trusts. Amos has been through some things and is looking for a patient, loving home where he can continue to build confidence and learn that life can be pretty awesome.

Basically, he needs someone who will look at that face and say:

"Sir, you look extremely concerned."

And Amos will probably be like:
"I am concerned. The couch is not currently occupied by me." 😂
He’s loyal, affectionate, and ready to find his people. 💙
🏡 Could Amos be your new best friend?

📞 For more information, contact the shelter at (248) 858-1070
📍
🐾 Amos — ID #402817

08/25/2026

08/23/2026

We had the absolute honor and privilege of being asked to photograph a series of NACSW trials hosted by Force Free Dale this weekend...... and WOW. What an incredible experience. ❤️

We’ve photographed events like this before, but never official trials with judges, titles, and all the excitement that comes with them. Getting to see everything from behind the scenes.... and witnessing the incredible teams of volunteers and organizers who come together to make these events happen......was pretty amazing.

But the real stars? The handlers and their dogs. 🐾

Watching the communication between them, both verbal and non-verbal, was so much fun. The focus, trust, teamwork, and those little moments when you could just see how much they enjoy working together… absolutely magical.

And one of the things we loved most about this weekend? Seeing firsthand that nosework really is for EVERY DOG ..... and their humans. 🐶❤️ Whether they’re competing for titles or simply having fun, nosework gives dogs the opportunity to use their incredible natural abilities while building confidence, communication, and an even stronger bond with their people.

Thank you, Force Free Dale, for inviting us to be part of such a special weekend and trusting us to capture these teams in action. We loved every minute of it and feel incredibly lucky to have been there. ❤️🐶

What a weekend. What a group of people. And what amazing dogs.

08/22/2026

The weekend is here. 😎

What’s your vibe?

🍹 Mentally on vacation
😴 Do not disturb
🤪 Questionable decisions incoming
😎 Too cool to care
✨ Living my best life

Personally, this girl seems to have the whole “weekend energy” thing figured out.