Rutherford County PAWS {Nashville Pet Photographer}

One part of my job I love doing on a regular basis is taking photographs of current dogs and cats available for adoption!

Rutherford County PAWS is a wonderful local pet adoption center based in Murfreesboro, TN. From one week to the next, there is rarely an animal there for too long, which means that I'm always getting the chance to meet new furry faces (and also means that the ones I already met have found forever homes!). The staff there really care about the sweet pups and cats that stay there until they are adopted. PAWS also works closely with other rescue organizations in the area, so very often animals will go out to rescues and foster homes. 

Here are some of the sweet pets I've had a chance to photograph lately, and although they may not be available any longer for adopting, you can visit the adoption page on the PAWS website to see which ones are still available or which newcomers have arrived! 

Thank you Rutherford County PAWS for all you do for these sweet animals!

~ Mandy

PAWS adoptable dogs in Nashville

This is Hazel, who's my current favorite and has been at the shelter for a little while now. She's an absolute sweetheart, and I loved her photo session. Hazel is an 8 year old labrador/retriever mix, and she may be getting passed over because of her age, but she's a happy dog that won't chew up your house!

cats for adoption in nashville tn

This is Lucy! She's a 6-year-old Maine Coon Mix and is very regal.

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Meet Meika, a 1-year-old spayed American Bulldog Mix. Her previous owner surrendered her as they didn't have enough time for her but didn't want to neglect her, so we hope she finds a better home soon! 

great pyranese mix dog photographer

And lastly, here's a success story! These last two images are Great Pyreneese mixes that were SO scared the day I was there, the gal who works with them had to carry them outside to do photos (and they are not small). They were surrendered by their owners and had been outside dogs, and the shelter just wasn't comfortable for them. I was concerned about them and later asked her what happened and found out they were adopted together by a sweet family with older kids and a German Shepard puppy. Apparently, when they saw the kids and the puppy they just came alive, and it was a perfect match!

great pyranese mix dog photographer

Adopting a Pet? Capture the Moment on Camera!

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!

RARE Pet Adoption {Nashville Dog Photographer}

Today I'm excited to feature some furry friends from a rescue group I'm working with called Rural Animal Rescue Effort (R.A.R.E.). R.A.R.E. is focused on rescuing and fostering animals in rural shelters and pounds.

Here's more information about R.A.R.E., "Although there are animals in need everywhere across the country, rural areas seem to have the worst cases of companion animal overpopulation and abandonment for a plethora of reasons. Most of the animals that sit in rural shelters or pounds are more commonly euthanized. This is due to the lack of space, time and money it takes to care for them and unfortunately, the majority of these animals are highly adoptable and friendly with children and other animals."

Pet adoption is something I believe in strongly, and I enjoyed getting to photograph some pets who are looking for forever homes! I'm featuring a couple of them in this post, but make sure to hop over to RARE's website so see all the pets looking for homes! If you're interested in fostering and/or adopting, you can fill out an application here


Our first feature is Dutchess, a 3-4 year old, 35 pound staffordshire mix. Dutchess is completely crate trained and loves dogs, cats, and children! Dutchess has a heart as big as her smile. She really wants to be a part of a family, especially if they love puppy kisses.  And don't you just love her surprise face!

dogs for adoption in nashville
dogs for adoption in nashville
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Up next we have Rocko, an 11 month old Bull Terrier mix! Rocko is good with kids and he loves people! Rocko wanted us to mention that he really needs a fenced in yard or an active walker/runner for exercise because, as we all know, maintaining a Hollywood figure isn't easy. Rocko is totally crate trained and super smart!

nashville dog photographer pet photographer
nashville dog photographer pet photographer
pets for adoption in nashville tn

And last but not least we have Copperhead, or Copper for short. I'm a hunka-hunka burning love....87 pounds of love that is! I'm around 3 years old, but still a bit of a clown and I enjoy making people laugh. I love me some people! I just can't get enough of having my ears scratched, my nose kissed and my belly rubbed. 

Nashville Pet Adoption Dog Photographer
Nashville Pet Adoption Dog Photographer
Nashville Pet Adoption Dog Photographer
Nashville Pet Adoption Dog Photographer

Adopting a Pet? Capture the Moment on Camera!

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!

Rural Animal Rescue Effort {Pet Adoption} Nashville Pet Photographer

Today I'm excited to feature some furry friends from a new charity I'm working with called Rural Animal Rescue Effort (RARE). RARE is focused on rescuing and fostering animals in rural shelters and pounds.

Here's more information about RARE, "Although there are animals in need everywhere across the country, rural areas seem to have the worst cases of companion animal overpopulation and abandonment for a plethora of reasons. Most of the animals that sit in rural shelters or pounds are more commonly euthanized. This is due to the lack of space, time and money it takes to care for them and unfortunately, the majority of these animals are highly adoptable and friendly with children and other animals."

Pet adoption is something I believe in strongly, and I enjoyed getting to photograph some pets who are looking for forever homes! I'm featuring a couple of them in this post, but make sure to hop over to RARE's website so see all the pets looking for homes! If you're interested in fostering and/or adopting, you can fill out an application here


Our first feature is Abraham, a fun, friendly, and energetic black lab! Abe is estimated to be between 1.5 and 2 years old, weighs 65 pounds, and has "an abundance of energy outside and is a gentleman in the house. Abraham tends to wiggle his whole body when he meets people and is the happiest dog there is! If you come to meet Abraham, you will be sure to fall in love with this goofy boy!"

RARE Pet Adoption Dogs for adoption nashville
RARE Pet Adoption Dogs for adoption nashville
RARE Pet Adoption Dogs for adoption nashville

 This little guy's eyes are so captivating! Meet Gilligan, who is 6 months old and so sweet. RARE says, "He's goofy, he's fun and will keep you laughing at his adventures. Gilligan gets along with everyone and will fit in with any family who enjoys a little furry comedian."

cats for adoption nashville tn
cats for adoption nashville tn
cats for adoption nashville tn

Elka, a 4 year old Pointer, had a hard start to her life. She was found near death in a ditch, but since then has been rehabilitated with lots of love and health care. Now she is a sweet, loving pup who is great with kids and adults!

nashville dogs for adoption
nashville dogs for adoption
nashville dogs for adoption

Adopting a Pet? Capture the Moment on Camera!

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!