Moxie’s Story

The quiet love we share with our dogs

A reminder to hug them a little longer

I’ve been seeing the sweetest line everywhere lately, and it really stuck with me…
They are a part of your life, but to them, you are their whole life.
It tugs at your heart a little, because it’s true.

Hug your pets.

The big ones, the small ones, the young ones, and especially the ones who have been by your side for years.

A life built on everyday moments

Moxie’s mom reached out to me because she wanted to honor her. Not just with photos, but with something that would hold meaning long after she was gone. Moxie was a true companion. For nearly ten years, they shared a life built on the quiet, everyday moments that end up meaning everything. Morning yogurt together. Daily walks. The same rhythm, day after day, in a way that just felt like home.

When her mom talked about her, you could feel it.

She described Moxie as a mixed breed, probably part pit. Short, sturdy, with a broad chest and the sweetest presence. Tan and white, with a marking on her side that looked like the Loch Ness Monster. She would sometimes call her the “Mox Ness Monster,” which is honestly one of the best dog nicknames I’ve ever heard.

Moxie had a strong sense of smell and loved sniffing out treats hidden around the house. It was one of her favorite things. Every morning, she would lick the yogurt container clean.

Her days were simple. A walk, breakfast, a nap, another walk, a snack. Repeat until bedtime.

She didn’t really care for other animals, but she loved her people. Her family. The ones she trusted.

The beach wasn’t her place. The waves were too much. But a grassy field, where she could take her time and follow every scent, that’s where she was happiest.

The way she loved her mom

During her session, what really felt special was how much Moxie loved her mom.

She had eyes for her. Always.

Yes, she loved treats. But more than anything, she was watching her. Where she was going. What she was doing. Staying close. There was this steady sense of comfort in it. Like no matter what, she knew where home was. And home was her.

A softer, more intentional season

Her mom told me she stopped asking her to sit or lay down in her later years. She didn’t want to force anything from her body. She just let her move how she needed to, rest when she wanted to, and be comfortable. That kind of care says everything.

Their session was emotional in a quiet way.

There was love, of course.

But also sadness.

And that feeling of wanting to hold onto something you know is changing.

It wasn’t about perfect poses. It was about being together.

Since her session, Moxie has passed.

And now, everything about her feels even more important. The little routines. The way she moved through the day. The way she looked at her mom.

All of it.

It meant a lot to be there for that. To witness it. To see that kind of love up close.

Moxie wasn’t just a dog.

She was a steady, quiet presence.

A companion in every sense of the word.

Home, for someone who loved her deeply.

If you’re reading this, hug your dog a little longer today.

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If you’ve been thinking about doing something like this with your dog, don’t wait.

You don’t need a perfect time, just the time you have together.

If you’re looking for a San Diego dog photographer, you can explore the full experience, see more of the work, and start planning your session here.