One of my greatest joys in life was bringing my dog Theo home from the shelter. He’s made every day more hilarious and happier. I wish every dog had a person to call family and a place to call home, so I always love to feature dogs waiting for their happily ever after. Thanks to Kiernan Michelle Photography for volunteering her time and talent to get some great photos of these dogs from Canine Adoption Rescue League (C.A.R.L.).
From Kiernan: “There has always been a special place for dogs in my heart. When I rescued my latest family member, it really caught my eye how desperately some of the dogs at the shelter needed new photos. Their former photos made them appear scared and sad, which greatly decreases their chances of finding new homes. So I reached out to the shelter about volunteering and taking new photos! I started with their longest residents first, which you can see below, with poor Desi being there for over six years. It makes me so happy when my photos can make a difference in their lives by finding them their ‘fur’ ever homes.”
“Hi, I’m Desi a gorgeous Catahoula / American Staffordshire Terrier mix who loves to play and be around people. I was one of many dogs rescued from a raid in El Rio. Those days long behind me, I’m waiting for someone to come and take me home.
I’m energetic and cuddly, and I love the water. I would make a great jogging partner as I run along beside you. I’m house trained and good with respectful children. Although I’m good with dogs with proper introductions, I need to be the only dog in the home. I also need a home with no cats. I react strongly when I see stray cats at the kennel, doing backflips to try and get to them.
I’m grateful to be given a chance to know the true meaning of being a cherished member of a loving family. We’ve been through a lot, and I hope we all find our forever homes very soon.”
“Hi, I’m Annakin a Labrador mix who is in need of a new home. I have a great personality – active, affectionate playful and outgoing. I know basic commands, and I’m good on a leash. 
I’m house and crate trained, know how to use a doggie door and will let you know if I have to go outside. I’m good with older children but have never been around younger ones. I just want to be loved. I’ll use ‘The Force’ to get my forever family to come and take me home.”
“Hi, I’m Angel a gentle and affectionate American Staffordshire Terrier X. I’m in need of a new home because my owner had to move and I am not able to go too. I love playing and cuddling, enjoy walks, car rides, and chew toys. 
I like people and children, although I can jump up a little when I get excited. I’d make a great addition to any loving family, as long as you don’t have cats. I’m good with small and bigger dogs, but can be protective of my things. 
I don’t like being left alone, and with a running start, I can get over a 5′ 7″ wood fence. I’m house and crate trained, and I know basic commands. I know my breed gets a bad rap, but I hope you’ll stop by and meet me and see for yourself what a sweet girl I am.”
“I’m Bleauw a fun loving, affectionate American Staffordshire Terrier X with low to moderate energy. I enjoy leisurely strolls and walk very well on a leash. I know the command sit and I enjoy hanging out with my people. I am food motivated and easy to train and love to be fussed over. I enjoy playing with the other big dogs in playgroups at the kennel, but no small dogs for me, please. 
If I sound like the guy for you, and I should, stop by and meet me.”
“Hi, I’m Bruno a handsome American Staffordshire Terrier mix who has been described by a volunteer as a comedian. If you never thought a dog could have a sense of humor, you haven’t met me yet. From the casual stretch and ‘What gives, dude?’ look I’ll throw you if I haven’t seen you in a while, to my antics with the tunnel in the C.A.R.L. play arena, everyone who spends time with me can’t help but crack a big grin.
I was rescued from Animal Services where I was picked up as a stray. I’m one of the lucky ones who has a second chance to become a cherished member of a loving family. I’m extremely intelligent, very fun loving, affectionate, sweet, lovable and have a great smile. If you have a strong arm and enjoy tossing a ball or toy, I love to play fetch! I have a lot of energy and would make a great running, hiking and/or beach partner. I have impeccable leash manners, and I listen very well. I hope you’ll stop by to meet me; I may be the addition to your family that you’ve been looking for.”
“Hi, I’m Kai, which means ‘the sea’ in Hawaiian, a handsome American Staffordshire Terrier mix. Although my mom loves me, she is no longer able to keep me. I’ve always been a house dog and can be left inside all day while you’re at work with no problems.
I’m a big strong boy who loves to play frisbee, fetch and go swimming! I’m loving and affectionate with people I know. Although I’ve been around children of all ages from toddlers on up and have been fine, I can be protective when strangers come near. For this reason, I would do best in an adult only home. I need to be your only fur baby in the home as I don’t much care for other dogs and cats.
C.A.R.L. volunteer Marion has been taking me on offsite trips which I love. She also has been taking me to training classes. I get along better with bigger dogs, but I still don’t care for smaller dogs.
“Hi, I’m Sienna, and I’m a gorgeous, red-head looking for love and a forever home. I am in the prime of my life at just six years old and not looking a day older (I actually think I look half my age!). I maintain a slender figure at 45 pounds by playing my favorite sport…chasing tennis balls. In addition to playing tennis, I enjoy hiking and long walks. To keep up with the latest pet trends, I’ve been practicing Nose Work and let me tell you I am a total Rockstar at it! So, I am not only beautiful and fit, but also, I am a scent-savvy knockout! By the way, I can smell my favorite volunteer from the moment she comes through the front gate!
I love the attention that I get from my gorgeous look. I won’t deny a belly rub or a scratch to anyone, but I don’t like competing for your love. So, I should be the only pet at home so you can have this all this redhead power just for you! I walk nice on a leash, but I can get distracted if I sense some “hater eyes” from other canines.
I don’t like to talk about my past much, but in case you are wondering I was found as a stray almost three years ago. I spent almost two years at the Camarillo shelter, and due to the wonderful work of my favorite volunteer, I now live at the Canine Adoption Rescue League. I get frequent walks, and I get to see the beautiful Santa Paula mountains. But, after almost three years what my heart yearns for is a forever home. Would you give me that chance?”
“Hi, I’m Stella a beautiful German Shepherd / Boxer mix (DNA test results) who loves to give kisses. I was rescued from Animal Services, and I’m grateful to have a chance to find a forever home. I’m an active dog who is good with older children, and I’m house and crate trained too. I’m choosy with other dogs and prefer males in playgroups at the kennel. I love going in the doggie pools they have set up for us to cool off and play in. 
I’m protective of my people and like to be in charge, so I need a knowledgeable/experienced owner, additional training and would do best in an adult only home. I need a home with no cats, please.
I know the basics, come when called, sit and stay on command and walk well on a leash. I’m a really sweet girl who’d love a home and family to call my own. Minimum 6-foot fence required.”
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About Kiernan Michelle Photography: Based in Southern California, Kiernan specializes in family portraits, wedding photography, as well as fashion and lifestyle photography.
Can I have them all please? Thanks so much for sharing this awesome post with everyone! Dogs are my spirit animal. Every time I walk past a adoption event for the local Dumb Friends League I need to force myself to keep walking because if I stop, I will bring a dog home with me. I hope they all find their forever homes!
Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures and wonderful stories.
Aww these are cuties. Fab photography too. We are adopting a dog next week it’s hard to choose one. One has been living in a box room for 5 years so sad
Congratulations on adopting a dog! I am excited for you and your new dog.
Such sweet pups! I love my dogs and hope to adopt more in the future.
Oh I love this so much!! What adorable dogs. Shelter dogs rule!!
What beautiful babies! Stunning photos. Sharing over on my adoptables board on Pinterest!