Happy Smiles Studio

AMANDA and WILLOW have been together since Willow was just eight weeks old. Now two years old, Willow is much more than a companion. She is Amanda’s lifeline, helping her navigate each day with confidence and independence.

Amanda lives with PTSD, Moral Injury, and Chronic Pain Disorder. Willow was chosen specifically for her calm, intuitive nature and provides both mental health and physical support in ways no medication or therapy ever could. She came into Amanda’s life at a perfect time, and has been the shining light during some of her darkest days.

"Willow recognizes when I become emotionally dysregulated. She provides deep pressure therapy, creates space between me and others, alerts me to people and things approaching from behind, and provides physical and mobility support."

An important thing to understand is that Willow is still in training. She has already mastered many of the skills required of a service dog and continues to refine others. While she is capable of performing all of the necessary tasks, she is still gaining the consistency and confidence needed to fully master each one.
Amanda and Willow train with a local organization called By Our Side Service Dogs (B.O.S.S.), where they benefit from the extensive knowledge, experience, and encouragement of dedicated volunteers. The organization operates through donations and community support.

"The work they do with people like me and everyone we train alongside is invaluable."

Thank you, Amanda and Willow, for sharing your story and for being part of the Happy Smiles Studio Service Animal Project.

If you know of anyone who would like to be part of this project, please ask them to get in touch with me.

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Who says portrait photography is just for people and dogs? Peach, Pellet and Meowy did a great job posing for their session because they knew these photos were a Birthday present for their Dad.

Who else has an unusual pet and would like a portrait session done?


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