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There are some portrait sessions that feel like more than photographs. This was one of them.

Under the canopy of gorgeous, tree-lined paths in The Villages, Florida, I spent the evening photographing Doug & Becky, with three very special members of their family: Doogie, Katy and Penny—three beautiful purebred Rough Collies, each with a story of their own. (In the first photo, from left to right: Katy, Penny, & Doogie.)

Meet Katy

At 10 years old, Katy—the beautiful white Rough Collie—is still very much the energetic puppy her family brought home when she was just four months old.

She is smart, spirited and loves agility courses. And if there happens to be a treat involved, Katy can apparently figure out just about anything.

When Becky gets a kiss from Doug, Katy barks. (I mean, how cute is that??)

Meet Doogie

Then there is Doogie, their handsome 9-year-old sable and white Rough Collie. His story is especially touching. He is also the one that looks just like Lassie! A classic beauty!!

When Doug & Becky adopted Doogie at six months old, he was afraid of people. But with patience, care and training, that frightened young dog began to blossom.

Eventually, Doogie became the one comforting other people.

He went on to have a long career as a pet therapy dog, making hundreds of visits to hospitals and nursing homes. Today, he is enjoying semi-retirement, although he still loves meeting and greeting people.

There is something incredibly beautiful about that transformation—a dog who was once afraid of people growing into a dog who brought comfort to hundreds of them.

And Then Came Penny

Seven-year-old Penny, their striking blue merle Rough Collie, is the newest member of the family.

Penny's life began very differently. She was born and trained to be a show dog, but eventually found herself in rescue. Doug & Becky adopted her when she was three.

Like Doogie, Penny found her calling as a therapy dog. Her visits have primarily taken her to mental health clinics and memory care units, where she has been able to bring companionship and comfort to people who need it.

She has also learned a few things from her big sister Katy. Most notably, the household rule regarding affection. Katy barks when Becky gets kissed. Penny has taken it one step further, she barks when they hug too. After 48 years of marriage, apparently these two still require close supervision.

Behind these three wonderful dogs is the love story of two people who have been married for 48 years!

Doug & Becky

They have been coming to The Villages since 2005. Over the years, Florida has become a bigger and bigger part of their lives, and they now spend about five months of each year in The Villages.

They have three grown children who now come to visit them here.

There is something wonderful about watching a place slowly become part of your family's story—first visiting Dad, then spending more time here, and eventually becoming the ones whose children come to visit.

We love photographs that tell a story!

It is the way someone reaches for the person they've loved for nearly five decades.

It's the dog who watches every kiss.

It's the formerly frightened puppy who grew up to comfort strangers.

It's laughter, personalities, quirks and all those little pieces of everyday life that become incredibly precious with time.

The tree-lined paths of The Villages gave us such a beautiful backdrop for this session, but the real beauty was right in front of my camera.

A 48-year love story. Three rescued Rough Collies, & one family that found each other in different ways, at different times, and gave one another a place to belong.

Doug & Becky, thank you for trusting Willow & Oak Photography to preserve this little chapter of your story. Thank you also for treating my Mother so kindly. She assisted me during this session, and her help was invaluable.

It was an absolute privilege to provide you with these heirloom photographs.

xo, Chelsy of... Willow & Oak Photography
Portrait Photography | The Villages, Florida

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Heartfelt Couple's Photoshoot with Dogs in The Villages