Winnie the Tripod : A Goldendoodle Adventure

Aug 20, 2025

Every Session Starts With the DogWhen I plan a pet photography session, the first thing I think about is the dog — their personality, energy level, and the little quirks that make them unique. Every dog is different, and the best photos happen when they feel comfortable and free to be themselves.When I met Winnie, a young doodle with boundless charm and a million-dollar head tilt, I knew her session would be pure joy. At just five months old, Winnie was in an accident that left her ...

New Beginnings with Jazz & Her Shadow, at Black Bay Park

Aug 16, 2025

When Jazz and I first connected about her session, she shared that she had recently moved to North Idaho for work. As beautiful as the area is, settling into a new town can feel a little lonely at times. Like many women who’ve found themselves starting over somewhere new, Jazz was looking for a spark of joy to brighten her days. That’s when she met Shadow, a 6-month-old black German Shepherd puppy who changed everything. One afternoon, Jazz went to see a litter of puppies, ...

The Art of Photographing Shy Dogs: Barkley’s Story

Aug 13, 2025

Meeting Dogs Where They AreOne of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a pet photographer is that no two dogs experience the world in the same way. Some bounce into a session like it’s a party. Others prefer a quieter, more measured pace. My job is to meet them exactly where they are — no rushing, no forcing, just understanding.Barkley, a sweet beagle rescued from a lifetime in an animal testing lab, taught me this lesson all over again. Barkley’s StoryBarkley ...

Best Summer Hiking Near Coeur d'Alene

Best Summer Hiking Spots Near Coeur d’Alene for Shade, Scenic Views & Water AccessWhen summer heat rolls into North Idaho, hiking doesn’t have to mean sweating it out on rugged mountain trails. Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area offer shady paths, river walks, and lakefront escapes where you can enjoy nature and stay cool.Whether you’re after a short family stroll, a dog-friendly adventure, or a forested trail that ends with a refreshing dip in the water, these ...

Summer Bucket List for Your Pup!

7 Dog-Friendly Summer Activities in North Idaho Make the Most of the Season With Your Four-Legged Best FriendSummer in North Idaho is a full-on sensory experience — warm breezes, lake days, and long golden evenings. And while we humans are soaking it all in, let’s not forget the real MVPs of summer fun: our four-legged besties. 🐶If you’re looking for ideas to keep your dog happy, healthy, and living their best summer life, here’s a joyful bucket list full of North ...

3 Best Spring Hikes Near Coeur d’Alene for You & Your Dog 🌸🐕

As the days get longer and trails start to dry out, it's the perfect time to dust off your hiking boots and hit the trails with your furry best friend. Whether you're looking to shake off the winter sluggishness or you're just craving some sunshine and fresh air, spring is a magical season in North Idaho.Here are three of my favorite short spring hikes near Coeur d’Alene—perfect for dogs, humans, and anyone who’s been counting the days ‘til wildflower season! 1. ...

Best Summer Hiking Near Coeur d'Alene

Aug 22, 2025

Best Summer Hiking Spots Near Coeur d’Alene for Shade, Scenic Views & Water AccessWhen summer heat rolls into North Idaho, hiking doesn’t have to mean sweating it out on rugged mountain trails. Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area offer shady paths, river walks, and lakefront escapes where you can enjoy nature and stay cool.Whether you’re after a short family stroll, a dog-friendly adventure, or a forested trail that ends with a refreshing dip in the water, these ...

Summer Bucket List for Your Pup!

Jun 10, 2025

7 Dog-Friendly Summer Activities in North Idaho Make the Most of the Season With Your Four-Legged Best FriendSummer in North Idaho is a full-on sensory experience — warm breezes, lake days, and long golden evenings. And while we humans are soaking it all in, let’s not forget the real MVPs of summer fun: our four-legged besties. 🐶If you’re looking for ideas to keep your dog happy, healthy, and living their best summer life, here’s a joyful bucket list full of North ...

Hike-Dog Review- Garfield Campground

May 29, 2024

Unplugged Bliss at Garfield Bay Campground: Our Camping Adventure with the Dogs Last weekend, we packed up and headed about an hour north to Garfield Bay Campground for a much-needed escape. It was a quick and easy getaway, perfect for a couple of nights unplugged in the great outdoors. As someone who struggles with work-life balance, this trip was a godsend. With zero cell reception, I could finally disconnect from work and focus on quality time with my family. The view from the bay ...

Whimsy of Ferrets

Apr 01, 2024

Furry Fidgets: Capturing the Whimsy of Ferrets Through PhotographyLet's be honest, ferrets aren't your typical photography subjects. These mischievous mustelids, with their boundless energy and insatiable curiosity, can pose unique challenges for even the most seasoned photographer. But that's precisely what makes them so captivating. As a photographer, I rarely get the chance to work with these sprightly creatures, but this past summer, fate (and a kind invitation from Sammy's Clubhouse ...

Shoshone Pet Rescue-Santa Photos

Nov 10, 2023

Spreading Holiday Cheer: A Santa Photo Fundraiser for Shoshone Pet Rescue 'Tis the season for joy, giving, and capturing precious moments, and what better way to celebrate than through a Santa Photo fundraiser hosted by Kellogg Pet Medical Center (KPMC) for the benefit of Shoshone Pet Rescue!This festive event brought together Santa Claus, the beloved man in red, and the fantastic staff at KPMC, creating an atmosphere filled with holiday spirit. As the camera clicked away, the jolly old ...

Paws and Partnerships: Creating a Fundraising Calendar with Tails Foundation

Nov 07, 2023

In the world of nonprofit organizations, the power of partnerships can be truly remarkable. This is the story of how a simple idea, combined with dedication, transformed into a fundraising project that featured local animals and raised awareness for nonprofits in Kootenai County, North Idaho, and Spokane. The Tails Foundation had a vision to create a fundraising calendar that featured local animals while supporting other nonprofits.  LaRain at Tails did all the hard work of ...

Nonprofit Programs

Jul 14, 2023

Nonprofit Programs-Because Community Matters From my very first job as a 15 year old stable-hand, my life and career have always orbited around animals. Both of my wild boys, Floki & Freki came to me via the shelter/rescue system. And I believe deep in my soul that animals make us better humans. So giving back to the animal community has always been an intrinsic part of my business model. What started as a willingness to donate gift certificates to just about any animal related silent ...

Best Summer Hiking Near Coeur d'Alene

Aug 22, 2025

Best Summer Hiking Spots Near Coeur d’Alene for Shade, Scenic Views & Water AccessWhen summer heat rolls into North Idaho, hiking doesn’t have to mean sweating it out on rugged mountain trails. Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area offer shady paths, river walks, and lakefront escapes where you can enjoy nature and stay cool.Whether you’re after a short family stroll, a dog-friendly adventure, or a forested trail that ends with a refreshing dip in the water, these ...

Winnie the Tripod : A Goldendoodle Adventure

Aug 20, 2025

Every Session Starts With the DogWhen I plan a pet photography session, the first thing I think about is the dog — their personality, energy level, and the little quirks that make them unique. Every dog is different, and the best photos happen when they feel comfortable and free to be themselves.When I met Winnie, a young doodle with boundless charm and a million-dollar head tilt, I knew her session would be pure joy. At just five months old, Winnie was in an accident that left her ...

New Beginnings with Jazz & Her Shadow, at Black Bay Park

Aug 16, 2025

When Jazz and I first connected about her session, she shared that she had recently moved to North Idaho for work. As beautiful as the area is, settling into a new town can feel a little lonely at times. Like many women who’ve found themselves starting over somewhere new, Jazz was looking for a spark of joy to brighten her days. That’s when she met Shadow, a 6-month-old black German Shepherd puppy who changed everything. One afternoon, Jazz went to see a litter of puppies, ...

The Art of Photographing Shy Dogs: Barkley’s Story

Aug 13, 2025

Meeting Dogs Where They AreOne of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a pet photographer is that no two dogs experience the world in the same way. Some bounce into a session like it’s a party. Others prefer a quieter, more measured pace. My job is to meet them exactly where they are — no rushing, no forcing, just understanding.Barkley, a sweet beagle rescued from a lifetime in an animal testing lab, taught me this lesson all over again. Barkley’s StoryBarkley ...

Summer Bucket List for Your Pup!

Jun 10, 2025

7 Dog-Friendly Summer Activities in North Idaho Make the Most of the Season With Your Four-Legged Best FriendSummer in North Idaho is a full-on sensory experience — warm breezes, lake days, and long golden evenings. And while we humans are soaking it all in, let’s not forget the real MVPs of summer fun: our four-legged besties. 🐶If you’re looking for ideas to keep your dog happy, healthy, and living their best summer life, here’s a joyful bucket list full of North ...