We could not have scripted a better summer day for Last Hope K9’s Adoption Event at Just Dogs Newburyport. I was particularly excited for this one because not only did my niece and I help get Boston to his foster home this week in Newbury (so we had a sneak preview to how awesome HE was), but I saw that there was going to be seven dogs attending. And bonus? Peterson, the four month old lab mix, and his foster Mom, Linda, drove all the way up from Fall River last minute too. The pressure was on. Get great portraits of all eight dogs while trying to Instagram and do live Periscope too. Three hours seemed like twenty minutes. And I am so happy to report that three of the dogs got deposits and hopefully will be at their new forever homes soon.  If you are interested in adopting, I can not recommend this all volunteer rescue enough. The second I sign a new lease or mortgage they will be the first phone call that I make. In the meantime, check them out here and please pass on to anyone you may know who might be interested in one of these four legged loves.

Meet the Heeler Family. They are a hound mix and about six months old – Red, Sassy and Lil Bit.

First up is Red (or Larouge as he also is partial to being addressed 😉 ) who was completely zonked out by the end of the event. He actually napped on the busy sidewalk. So chill.

Here’s a sweet female from this litter: Sassy. Beautiful girl and also so chill and lovable.

Last is Lil Bit Heeler. Love not only his portraits but also him chillin’ with the newest LHK9 Volunteer (all the way from Oz!) Very handsome and well behaved boy. The paw on her leg. Can you stand it?

And here’s shy little Lainey. She’s a rat terrier and chihuahua mix and about ten pounds. She’s pictured here too with one of her two awesome foster Moms who said it only took a day for her to warm up to them. May have gone little overboard with photos of her. But really wanted to showcase this one. She’s ready for a good home.

I know you’re not supposed to have favorites. It’s like your kids or nieces. But sometimes one just really shines and captures your heart. If I could have run off and lived happily ever after today with 4 month old Peterson, I would have. He’s listed as a lab mix and it would seem that part of that mix might be a Shar Pei as he had the cutest little wrinkled face at times too. His foster Mom, Linda, drove him up all the way from Fall River. Hope someone scoops him up soon. I may have gone a little overboard with his portraits too. But you’ll see why.

Three month old soft and cuddly little Corina was obviously a huge hit too and immediately was adopted by Maureen and Simone. When I know the dog has a deposit, I usually focus more time photographing the ones that are still available BUT I just couldn’t help photographing this one. As the event was ending, she was so darn cute on the sidewalk. Had to get it. Even though it meant rolling around (me!) in the middle of Pleasant Street. Anything for the shot. 😉

Petal Spring also found her new Mom, Alexis, almost immediately. But again, I couldn’t help myself capturing more photographs of her too throughout the afternoon. #kissingmachine

Lastly, is Boston. When I saw he need transport last Thursday from QT in NH down to Newbury, I texted my niece who lives up in that area to see if she’d be interested in helping out. She was not only happy to go get him but they quickly became fast friends on the hour drive down to Newburyport. He was a wee bit shy at first and started out in her back seat. But by then end he was snuggled up on her lap. And we’re delighted to know that he’s also found his forever home here in town with John and Nancy too. Hope to see you all on the Rail Trail soon!

Thanks for checking out the dogs! And even bigger thanks to all those who help save and place these animals. I feel so fortunate to be able to be a small part of the rescue program and absolutely love the Last Hope K9 family. Truly remarkable people. Here’s Jill, who I look forward to seeing every time, doing what she does (with Lil Bit here). Thank you Jill!

And of course as always a huge heartfelt thank you to Judy at Just Dogs Newburyport for graciously hosting these events regularly. Finally to the lovely ladies of Ivy Lane who allow us to shoot in their beautiful courtyard and use their items and props from their store to help make these portraits shine.

Remember that 1.2 million dogs are euthanized every year in the US. 1.2 million! There are so many wonderful dogs out there looking for homes. Hopefully you saw one here. Be sure to check out the LHK9 website for the full list of adoptable dogs available if you’re interested. Can’t adopt right now? There are so many ways to help from donating directly to helping transport the dogs too. Every little bit counts.

Please “SHARE” and/or “LIKE” if you do! Let’s get these pups to their furever homes soon.

Want to see more from the afternoon? Check out the Online Gallery here.

©Kerry Hook of Kiki Larouge Photography. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Play nice.

Timeline 6/28/15