Shelby, Matt, and their terrier mix, Merlin, have lots of reasons to celebrate, particularly this month. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as National Adopt A Shelter Dog month. Shelby was only 28 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but thankfully, she is okay now. Merlin, the Jack Russell Terrier mix, joined Shelby and her fiance, Matt, for an engagement session with Good Morrow Photography. 
From Natalie Morrow: “Shelby and Matt are a newly engaged couple. They adopted Merlin after Shelby survived cancer in her late 20’s. They are such a wonderful loving little family, and I was so blessed to capture their love together!“
From Shelby: “The past five years of my life have been filled with trials. I was a victim of extensive domestic violence/stalking at the hands of an ex-boyfriend and then was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at age 28.
When I found the lump, I told Matt ‘If I have cancer, we are getting a dog.’ He responded with ‘Well, you are 28, you don’t have cancer so that we won’t be getting a dog.’
Four days later I found out that I did indeed have cancer. We both agreed that although my heart longed for a dog (badly!), it probably wasn’t the best time. We put the thought on hold while I was going through treatment and surgeries. 
When we finally felt like it was time, we went to our first adoption event, and we saw ‘Nash’ – a Jack Russell / fox terrier puppy. I always said I didn’t want a puppy, and I didn’t want a terrier. But we took him out of his kennel, and he licked my face, I knew it was over.
Merlin is a sensitive soul who is passionate about chasing, chewing, and keeping his paws clean. He is full of personality, opinionated, and will make it very obvious if he does or does not like something. His whole body wiggles when Merlin is excited. He is a great listener until there is a small animal to chase and then all bets are off. 
Although my late twenties were the very worst years of my life, they did bring me the two loves of my life. My boys, Matt and Merlin. 
Whenever I have a bad day, I just cuddle up with these two weirdos, and it makes everything better.”
Follow Good Morrow Photography on Instagram.
About Good Morrow Photography: Based in Arvada, Colorado, Natalie specializes in family, child, and pet photography.
This is such a wonderful story with a happy ending for all. The photos show the happiness they feel together as a family.
What a cute dog! What a touching story.
This is beautiful. Just shows how much comfort a dog can bring. Merlin has the sweetest face. Thanks for sharing their story!
omg. What sweet family photos!! We are getting ours done soon with our pup and I can’t wait.
That’s awesome, I can’t wait to see them!
Well gosh this story had me tearing up like crazy! But how sweet is Merlin! And that face? Such a cutie too!
It is a very emotional story and I’m so glad that they each other and so much to be happy about now!
Merlin is adorable! Sometimes we don’t always get the dog we think we want. I didn’t and couldn’t envision not having Mr. N!
Beautiful photos and what a touching story. I imagine Merlin is the best medicine, too. I just love that bottom photo of the three of them. You can feel their joy. So happy to hear Shelby is doing well. You can see all the joy in the photos. May she stay cancer-free, and congratulations to them both on their engagement and becoming puppy parents!