When it comes to adopting a dog there are generally three lines of action:
- Research to find the perfect breed and temperament for your lifestyle, find the perfect dog online, go in and meet the dog.
- Decide you are ready to add a dog to the family, visit shelters, and wait until you meet the right dog.
- Randomly see a dog in the shelter or online and realize you have to bring it home. Even though you weren’t looking to adopt a dog.
Katie fell into the third category when she was just a teenager. A young Shepherd-Husky mix, Aedean, caught her eye and then her heart in a matter of minutes. Although Katie Jean is primarily a wedding photographer, Aedan might be her favorite subject.
From Katie: “Aedan is our 9-year-old rescue. He is a Shepherd-Husky mix. He has been the greatest thing that has happened to me and my fiance Dylan. We rescued him when we were only 18, and he was six months. We were visiting the county shelter helping my Dad look for a dog after my parents got divorced. I saw Aedan out of the corner of my eye, took him out of the cage, and carried him to my car. I knew at that moment I wasn’t leaving him there. Our first moments together were so strong my Dad or the employees at the shelter didn’t even question me. 
I ended up not even having to pay his adoption fee; they just let me take him. He was in really bad shape- malnourished, ribs showing, fearful aggression to strangers, and separation anxiety. He had been previously abused and was left at the shelter after a police report. I will never forget on the drive home, my fiance (boyfriend at the time) sat in the back seat with him and Aedan just laid in his lap being so thankful. Ever since then he has slept in the bed with us, right in the middle on his own pillow. He is an extension of our hearts and has made us better people.
It took us about five years to get him to the point where strangers could approach him. He learned so quickly but needed to have his trust built back up. Today at nine years old, he travels EVERYWHERE with us, gets so much attention, and is the best-behaved dog I have ever had.
Every time we go out, someone always approaches us or comments on how beautiful he is, and asks ‘is he a puppy?’ His personality is absolutely wild. Aedan runs laps around our apartment at all hours of the day. He loves swimming, running, and visiting cafes. He is the best dog ever.”
You can see more photos of Aedan by following Katie on Instagram. You might also want to check out her wedding photography Instagram account.
About Katie Jean Photography: Based in Richmond, Virginia, Katie specializes in wedding photography.
What a happy pup! Seriously, he just looks like he is constantly smiling!! 🙂
My daughter and her family have a true Alaskan husky. He is the best dog. Love him.
What a beautiful dog! I just love his eyes. He seems like he loves to have a fabulous time.
Too cute! Aden looks like such a fun loving dog. He also looks like the ultimate play buddy.
Aedan is absolutely beautiful and I love his name! It is great to hear that he has found a wonderful forever home where he is loved and cared for.
You have the cutest dog pictures. I love love love dogs!
How sweet. Those eyes are beautiful beyond words! Aedan looks like a very lucky and well loved pup.
What a great story. Mixed dogs (mutts) are awesome. Aedan looks like he’s living a happy life!
I love Aedan the Shepard Husky puppy. What an adorable doggy, with such beautiful eyes and looks like energy galore.
These photos are stunning! Makes you have such a beautiful appreciation for dogs ❤️ This also makes me want to have a photo shoot with my own pup!
My son saw the dog and said to let you know he would like to have him. Along with the Snow he is playing in. If you ask me I agree with my son I would like to have both as well.
This dog intrigues me. He definitely has a charm about him. It’s those eyes, they look like they can read your soul.
This dog has the most beautiful eyes! I love shepherds. They are such sweet dogs.
Aedan is so cute. I love shepherd mixes, they always have such pretty coats.
Your dog is such a beautiful dog, great color mixture and sounds wonderful. All your love pouring out of your heart healed your pooch!
wow! I love Husky, but Aedan is even better! He is so awesome!
Our son have always wanted to have a husky. He is beautiful! And he’s got a beautiful name too…Aedan.
Omg what a beautiful dog! Those eyes are gorgeous!
What a beautiful adoption story and a strikingly beautiful dog! I love Shepherd/Husky mixes, that may very well be my next adoption. I bet Katie saved Aedan from being euthanized, it happens so often when dogs are brought in by police. I often say that the “accidental adoption” , as I like to call it, is often the very best kind.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
THOSE EARS! Omg so adorable!
I am absolutely loving these pictures! What a beautiful dog. I love rescue dogs!!!
He is SO cute…I love his eyes!
He is absolutely gorgeous! Oh my goodness, those eyes. What a beautiful mix by the way and amazing pictures as always!