Everyone talks about a girl's first love, but they rarely mention the dog she gets in her twenties, the one who shows up for the late nights, the hard decisions, the fresh starts. For Cailey, that dog is Amyra. And when we met at Blooming Fields Lavender Farm in Athol, Idaho, it took about thirty seconds to see exactly what I mean.
Blooming Fields is a little tucked-away spot in Athol, Idaho, that turns purple for just a few weeks every summer. The rows go on and on, and the whole place smells like heaven. It's the kind of place where everything just... works. The light, the color, all of it.
For Cailey and Amyra it was more than a backdrop though. It gave us space to actually see how they move together.
We started just before sunset, clouds rolling in thick and soft. That kind of sky is a gift honestly... it works like a natural filter, evens everything out so the purple of the lavender and the warmth on their faces both get to shine.
Amyra stayed close the whole time, except maybe for a quick ball dash down one of the rows.
From the very first frame it was clear... Cailey and Amyra just move together. There's a way long-time companions read each other without saying a word. A glance, a shift, a calm that just says I know you, I'm here.
I didn't have to pose them much. Cailey's hand kept finding Amyra's shoulder. Amyra kept leaning in, just slightly. Small stuff. But that's years of showing up for each other, right there in a gesture.
Lavender season is short. So are the years with our dogs. That's why I do this... so there's something left that holds more than just how it looked. This one's got Amyra's ears turning at every bumble bee that went by, lavender in the air, and your best friend right there beside you.
FAQs
When does lavender bloom in Athol, Idaho?
Mid-July to early August usually, but it shifts a bit depending on the year. Worth checking with Blooming Fields Lavender Farm directly before you plan around it.
Can I bring my dog to Blooming Fields Lavender Farm?
Check with the farm first. We had special permission for these sessions, outside regular hours, for leashed dogs with handlers who could keep them from wandering into the plants.
What should I wear for a lavender field session?
Solid colors, soft or neutral tones. Something flowy if you've got it, and shoes you can actually walk in.
Does my dog need special training?
Nope. Just needs to walk calmly on a leash so the lavender stays intact.
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