A story about the cat who made me a cat person, and why your cats are welcome in the Dog Days of Summer Special


Background


I grew up in a dog household. We always had a pup running around, usually a fluffy little Pomeranian with a big personality. My husband, however, grew up in the opposite kind of home. His dad was in the military, and pets just weren't part of the plan when you're moving every few years. And now, as a parent myself, I can understand the extra responsibility that comes with adding an animal to the family.


When Mr. Mckay and I moved in together, we knew we wanted a pet of our own. I had always dreamed of having a cat, but my parents and family were all dog people, so opportunity was just never there. But now that we had a "shoebox" of our own, it was the perfect time to introduce a feline friend to our family. We went to an adoption event hosted by Osceola Animal Services with a very specific kind of kitten in mind, but we were open to whichever cat we connected with. The idea was to get a male tuxedo cat, I wanted to name him Sebastian after an anime character I was totally obsessed with at the time. While they did have tuxedo kittens, they were a bonded trio and needed to be adopted together. We only lived in a studio apartment at the time, so we weren't in a place to take on three kittens at once.


But then, we saw her.


In a cage that dwarfed her, all alone was an eight month old tortoiseshell kitten. She was rubbing up against the bars of her cage and meowing that sweet kitten meow. She was the exact opposite of what we had set out to find. She was curious, affectionate, and she chose us. We named her Paprika, which if you're familiar with Satoshi Kon, you'll get the reference. She was the spice of our life from the moment we brought her home.




 

The "Cat" Days of Summer



She has been with us through every chapter. Before we were married. Before we became parents. Before this business existed. This year she turns fourteen, and she is still the same spicy-sweet, steady presence who made me fall in love with cats in the first place.


I decided to whip up a set and take some casual portraits for this season's Dog Days of Summer Special and it has reminded me of something important. Pets shape our families in ways that are impossible to measure. They deserve to be celebrated, no matter their age, size, or Species.


And while the name of the promotion says "Dog Days," I want to be very clear.

 

Cats are absolutely welcome.

 

If you have a senior cat who naps in the same sunny spot every afternoon, a shy cat who only loves their people, or a bold little troublemaker who runs the house, I would love to photograph them. Indoor sessions, outdoor sessions, in-home sessions for pets who don't travel well. All of it is available. And just a reminder if this is your first time hearing about it: Enjoy 10% off the booking fee AND 10% of artwork orders will be donated directly to the Osceola Animal Services (the place where this all started) during June 1 - August 31.


Paprika was never the pet I had expected, but she became the pet who changed everything. Maybe your cat has done the same for you.


Booking for the Dog Days of Summer Special is open. Cats, dogs, and all the beloved companions in-between are invited.