What the dogs know — Stories from a shelter volunteer and animal communicator
She jumped up to greet me the moment I came in. Both paws on my chest, tail going, face close to mine. Not aggressive — just certain. You're here. Good. Let's go. That's Belle. A big lumbering white lab pit bull mix, strong as an ox, with a warmth that hits you before she does.
Read MoreWhat the dogs know — Stories from a shelter volunteer and animal communicator
Nobody at the shelter knows what I do beyond the leash and the poo bags. But in the middle of that ordinary work, something else is also happening — a quieter kind of listening. This is what one dog had to say.
Read MoreA field guide to the invisible — on animal communication, past life energy, and what moves when we finally listen
I had just come out of my first past life regression — not something I did, but something I received. I went in as a seeker. I didn't know what to expect. And something shifted that I couldn't explain, and didn't need to. That was nearly two decades ago. What I know is that something real moved. And once I felt that, I couldn't unfeel it. That's where this work began. Not with a decision. More like something that kept revealing itself.
Read MoreA nature photographer's journey to the whales — and the message that found her there.
Three years in the making, this trip to swim with humpback whales in Tonga was supposed to be a new adventure. What it became was something else entirely — a journey through grief, presence, and a message that arrived when I finally stopped reaching for it.
Read MoreHave you ever sensed your pet trying to tell you something, without saying a word? Animal communication is a powerful, intuitive connection that reveals their deepest thoughts, emotions, and needs. As a pet psychic, I help people receive messages from their pets—whether they're here with us or in spirit. Whether it’s love, wisdom, or even a little humor, your pet always has something important to share.
Read MoreThe holidays are a time for joy, connection, and unforgettable moments—and I’m honored to share that one of my most cherished memories has been featured in ParadePets! The photo of my beloved Stanley with Santa, taken during my very first holiday marathon three years ago, marks the beginning of my pet photography journey. At 16, Stanley’s gentle face next to Santa’s jolly smile is a timeless reminder of the magic that happens when we celebrate the ones we love—furry or not.
Read MoreFiona: Joy Unleashed was a Chicago dog photography exhibit celebrating the joyful spirit of Fiona through vibrant beach portraits. On view at RAYGUN in Andersonville, the show captured the playful energy and emotional depth of pet photography.
Read MoreOur homes are filled with personal touches that express who we are. Naturally, you may want to display dog photography portraits in your home as a pet owner. After all, photos of our loved ones, including our pets, offer comfort and sanctuary, fill our living spaces with personal touches, and help make them feel cozy.
Read MoreCelebrate love with a heartfelt pet portrait experience at RAYGUN in Andersonville. In collaboration with Urban Pooch, this event offers both full one-hour sessions—featuring Dogs of Andersonville and Human + Friend portraits—and sweet 20-minute Mini Pooch Valentine Portraits. A perfect way to honor the bond you share with your furry Valentine. Reservations required.
Read MoreMy journey into pet photography began with an unexpected lesson in leadership—learned from binge-watching The Dog Whisperer to become more assertive at work. Cesar Millan’s core message stuck with me: to change a dog’s behavior, start with the human. Nearly two decades later, that insight still guides me in the studio. By bringing calm, confident energy to each session, I’m able to create authentic, soulful portraits that capture the unique spirit of every dog—and the deep bond they share with their people.
Read MoreA little magic is at play regarding dog photography, but being prepared goes a long way when putting a dog in front of the camera. We promise to be prepared when you arrive with what we do best, plus take care of the magic, but your help is needed to get the most out of your dog portrait session in the photo studio.
Read MoreDiscover highlights from our debut solo exhibition, Dogs: Social Beings, held in August 2023 in Chicago. Showcasing soulful pet portraits from Stan's Photo, the exhibit celebrated dogs’ unique personalities and their role in community connection. It also launched Dogs of Andersonville, a project capturing 100 local dogs and the stories that make this neighborhood one of the friendliest around.
Read MoreThere's a unique spirit to a good road trip. It contains the ability to move freely from one region to another. You can plan the destination, but who or what you encounter is unavoidable on the way. My ancestors embarked on unforgettable road trips during their lifetimes.
Read MoreIt is my favorite day in January when hundreds of people strip bare on a Saturday to leap into the icy water of Lake Michigan for a polar plunge. I enjoy photographing the experiences found on people's faces. In Finland, there is a word for this — sisu. The strength of will, perseverance, and determination when against adversity. When you have sisu, you sustain courage.
Read MoreTemperatures plunged to five degrees while setting up my tent in a snow swale in Wisconsin. I had been to a cold, snowy wilderness, and now a hot arid desert, where there is no greater extreme. Watching the changing light on a sea of dunes was transcendent — nature shifting from soft repose to harsh contrast in the blink of an eye.
Read MoreAristotle first said nature abhors an empty space. Here is wisdom, yet also a paradox because that is where I found these two cubs, fearless in an open field, foraging in a black walnut tree. For me, open space is something to embrace rather than disdain.
Read MoreWhile exploring Yosemite Valley, I found myself drawn into Ansel Adams’ gallery, where his Special Edition prints line the walls. Among the iconic images—El Capitan, Half Dome from Glacier Point, Bridalveil Fall—one stood out: a photograph of a solitary, weathered tree titled Jeffrey Pine.
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