From Michelle: “My dogs are Ditch (named because I found him and his two sisters in a ditch, all dying from Parvo. Unfortunately, Ditch is the only one of the three who made it. When he became mine, he ditched his worst days behind him. Ditch is now seven and the most handsome dog you will ever see.
He loves humans, tolerates most female dogs, and wants to be the only male dog on the planet. I found the litter while out for a training run for a half marathon on July 25, 2013. So I refer to that date as Ditchmas in July. According to the DNA test, Ditch is Chow, Swiss Shepherd, American Staffordshire terrier, and Rhodesian Ridgeback. So I refer to him as my Shepshire Chowback.
Chestnut is my nearly 6-year-old girl who ran in front of my car on Chestnut Street in Nashville. She nearly caused a collision with another car. We both stopped and got out, and she ran right up to me and began licking my face (which is still one of her favorite things to do. The girl loves giving kisses.) I posted her on all the Lost and Found sites, hung flyers, and even walked in the area I found her, and no one ever claimed her. At first, Ditch wasn’t so sure about her, but now they are two peas in a pod. They are complete opposites (Ditch is serious, smart, and very responsible, minus his love for dumping garbage cans.) Chestnut is super silly, not terribly bright, loves all dogs, and loves to counter and table surf.
I would have never picked either dog out of a lineup, but they are actually the perfect dogs for me! And both have become fairly involved in helping lost pets find their way home.
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About Mandy Whitley Photography: Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Mandy specializes in photography for pets and their people.
melissa chapman says
Those dogs are so gorgeous and rescues are the only way to go. They make a cute couple and take great pictures.
Amber Myers says
Aw, such a sweet story of how she found Chestnut. It’s always nice when you find the right animals for you!
Tasheena says
This is such a beautiful story. Michelle is such an amazing person.
Lisa Charleston says
WOW, just WOW!! This is so beautiful and such an inspiring story! God Bless Mandy, this pictures are adorable and I hope every animal she photo’s get adopted!
Tara Pittman says
What cute dogs. They do very well in taking photographs.
Brandy says
These are so cute! I love seeing the doggy photos on here, it makes me smile. I miss having a dog and cannot wait to have one in the near future.
Terri A Steffes says
I am in love with these two cuties. Yay for their mom for being such an advocate for animals!
Nikki Wayne says
I love the story and the dogs are so gorgeous, so fun to take a photo with!
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
The dogs are both adorable and the pictures are stunning especially the one of Ditch.
Catalina says
We are thinking to adopt a puppy this summer and your photos are encouraging us to do that!
Heather says
Awwww how cute are those puppers. Makes me want to have some photos taken with my little furry guys.
Gervin Khan says
Your story is so amazing! And the dogs are so cute and adorable! You all look perfect together in that frames!
Kathy says
I love all of these photos. They are so adorable. Those dogs did a wonderful job. They look like naturals.
Michelle & The Paw Pack says
Ditch and Chestnut are both so cute! I love their rescue stories, and how their names tie in to them too.
Britt K says
They are both so precious. Reading their stories, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the idea that they are now in such a loving home, the type of home they both deserve. It’s amazing to see how dogs can bond, isn’t it? When we brought our boy Indy into the mix, either of our dogs were totally sure how to feel about it. Now, Dav and Indy are completely inseparable. Thank you Michelle for giving Ditch and Chestnut a life full of so much love and happiness.
Tiffany says
Great rescue stories!! I love the Ditchmas holiday 🙂 One day I will book a portrait session with our pups!
Ruth Epstein says
They are adorable and they found her because they knew she was the one, I love her story and thank you for rescuing dogs and helping others