Capturing Photos of Adoptable Animals: Tonkadale Foster Photo Event
- 8 minutes ago
- 6 min read
With so many animals in rescues and shelters across the United States all vying for the attention of potential adopters, a quality photo can be the difference between being overlooked and finding a forever home. For the past several years, I've teamed up with my fellow pet photographer friends, Kelly of K Schulz Photography and Kirsten of KME Photography, to host a free foster photo event. The goal of our event each year is to collaborate to enhance the profiles of as many adoptable animals as possible throughout a single morning. This was my fourth year working with Kelly and Kirsten, and we partnered with nine different rescue organizations in the Twin Cities to photograph 22 adoptable animals, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and one ferret.
Beautiful Backdrop: Courtesy of Tonkadale Greenhouse
We're so lucky to have an amazing location for this free foster photo event each year in Tonkadale Greenhouse. The employees are always so welcoming and excited to meet the adoptable animals. Tonkadale plays a big role in helping us create a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
Treats for All: Provided by NutriSource & Finley's
Back for another year, we had treats to provide to all the foster animals from two local Minnesota pet brands, NutriSource and Finley's! Everyone is always so grateful to receive these tasty treats for their adoptable pets, and we enjoy sharing the love!
Giving Back: Pet Photographers Who Care
This event wouldn't be possible without the work of the photographers who care enough to plan and execute it. I love spending time planning this event with my friends, Kelly and Kirsten, and we have the best time on foster photo day, meeting the adoptable pets, taking photos together, and enjoying each other's company! It's truly one of my favorite days of the year as a pet photographer!
Meet the Adoptable Animals from This Foster Photo Event
Scoots McGee
Meet Scoots McGee, a sweet ferret born around September 4, 2022, who is currently looking for a loving home with other ferret companions. Scoots is still settling into foster care, so his foster family is continuing to learn more about his personality, favorite toys, and daily habits. He thrives with a flexible daily routine. Scoots does have adrenal disease and insulinoma, which are being managed with daily medications and a Suprelorin implant, and he’s doing well with his care. With no known behavioral concerns, Scoots is simply looking for a caring home that already has ferrets where he can bond, play, and enjoy life as part of a ferret family.
Dax
Meet Dax, a 4-year-old pup with a playful spirit and a big heart. While he’s technically an adult, his foster mom says he sometimes plays like he’s two — meaning he still knows how to have a lot of fun. Dax loves getting outside for walks and does great at the dog park, where he enjoys making new dog friends. After he’s had time to stretch his legs, he’s happy to settle in at home for some well-earned lounging, whether that’s on the couch (when allowed) or curled up in a cozy dog bed. Dax is a loyal “shadow dog” who loves being close to his people and thrives with clear guidance and a confident leader. He’s been growing more confident every day in his foster home and is eager to find a forever family who will continue helping him shine.
Lola
Meet Lola, a joyful and playful girl who brings fun and heart to every day. She loves zooming around the yard, playing fetch, and showing off her silly personality, but she’s just as happy settling down for a cozy night on her dog bed with a blanket. Lola is crate-trained, well-mannered at home, and enjoys watching the world go by from the window without barking at the neighborhood activity. She’s also a wonderful companion on the go—riding calmly in the car and making great progress on walks while staying relaxed around people, dogs, and squirrels. Sweet, smart, and affectionate, Lola is the perfect mix of playful energy and gentle companionship, and she’s sure to bring lots of love and laughter to the lucky family who adopts her.
Brody
Meet Brody, a gentle Great Pyrenees mix with a heart as big as his paws. Born around January 2025, this resilient boy has already overcome a difficult start in life after being rescued from severe neglect. Despite everything he’s been through, Brody has remained incredibly sweet, patient, and trusting. He’s calm and kind with other dogs, great with kids, and even ignores cats. Brody walks nicely on a leash, rides well in the car, and settles comfortably in a kennel, making him an easygoing companion both at home and on adventures. Quietly affectionate and grateful for the love he’s receiving now, Brody is ready to leave his past behind and find a forever family who will give him the comfort, stability, and care he deserves.
Timmy
Meet Timmy, a playful and affectionate 7-month-old terrier mix who’s ready to steal your heart. Timmy is deaf and carries the blue merle gene, so he’ll need routine eye checks, but it doesn’t slow him down one bit—he’s full of curiosity, joy, and love. He’s kennel and potty-trained, walks nicely on a leash, and enjoys car rides. Timmy loves running, playing with other dogs, collecting every toy he can find, and enthusiastically greeting his people. He would thrive in a home with a confident canine companion who can help guide him as he continues learning about the world. With a little patience and extra attention, Timmy will reward his future family with endless affection and loyal companionship.
Cardi
Meet Cardi, a sweet and spirited 9-year-old mixed-breed who proves that age is just a number. Loyal, intelligent, and full of personality, Cardi loves tennis balls (sometimes two at a time!), walks, puzzle toys, and cozy cuddle sessions with her favorite humans. She’s house-trained, knows several commands, and walks beautifully on a leash, making her an easy and fun companion. After losing her previous owner and narrowly escaping euthanasia, Cardi hasn’t let her past dim her bright, loving spirit — she still believes every person is a potential friend. Cardi would thrive as the only dog in the home, where she can soak up all the attention, and she’s part of the Seniors for Seniors program, which offers senior adopters a reduced adoption fee. This chatty, affectionate girl is ready to start her next chapter with a family who will cherish her big heart and joyful energy.
Joss
Meet Joss, a tiny “nugget” with a big heart and an even bigger wiggle-butt greeting. She can be a little shy when meeting new people, but once she feels safe her brave and playful personality quickly shines through. Joss loves being part of the fun and is eager to bond with her people. She’s looking for a patient family who will help build her confidence and give her the love she needs to continue blossoming. In return, this sweet girl promises plenty of adorable wiggles and affection.
Diving Deeper: Take a Look Behind the Scenes
Here are a few behind-the-scenes moments from the morning. Lots of cute adoptable animals and big smiles. We made silly noises and threw treat bags around. We all crouched low and tested our flexibility to get the best angles. Overall, we had lots of fun, and it's all for such a great cause - helping adoptable pets find their forever homes!
Are you a foster parent looking for photography services?
While this event only comes around once per year, the three of us photographers are available to help capture beautiful photos of foster pets throughout the year.
Kelly (K Schulz Photography) is based in Bloomington, MN
Kirsten (KME Photography) is based in Minneapolis, MN
Lauren (Scruff Life Photography) is based in Forest Lake, MN
Please reach out if you have a foster animal in need of some professional photography to capture their personality and help them land the best forever family!
It's truly an honor to volunteer my time and photography services to help rescue animals in our community! I'm already so excited about our event next spring!
