We’ve all heard of a soul mate: the person you connect with so deeply, it can’t be described. But have you heard of a soul dog? A soul dog is more than just a pet; they are a companion who profoundly shapes your life and leaves an indelible pawprint on your heart.

For Cherryland member Amanda Lewis, her soul dog was an Australian shepherd named Lupin. After Lupin passed away in 2022, Amanda’s photos of him became tangible memories she treasured. “He made me want to photograph for other people because after he passed away, I was like, man, these photos are so much more valuable to me now,” she said. That moment changed Amanda’s life; now she is an award winning and internationally published pet photographer. Her dedication, passion, and drive are a credit to her connection with Lupin.

When northern Michigan families hire Amanda, she focuses solely on your pets, making them comfortable and catching every little quirk that makes you love them so much. When she goes out to a photo shoot, she is armed with treats, noisemakers, and a very quick photo finger. She makes it clear no dog is too quirky or crazy to have their picture taken. “A lot of people think their dog can’t do it. They say my dog doesn’t listen, my dog won’t sit, my dog won’t stay, my dog can’t be off-leash. Any dog can do it; I’ll follow their lead,” says Amanda.

Amanda has an innate ability to sense who your dog is and, celebrate that without changing or controlling them. Any pet parent who has had the chance to work with her will tell you she gets as much joy from your pet as you do. “The joy for me is your dog smiling, and you smiling, getting those moments that you don’t get to capture yourself. Seeing the way you look at your dog but also how your dog looks at you,” says Amanda.

Amanda loves that her photos capture your pet’s soul, and as a certified pet loss grief specialist, her legacy sessions are the most rewarding. These are reserved for pets nearing the end of their life. “I try really hard not to have those be sad; for me, they’re a celebration,” she said. Amanda is there to support you and celebrate the connection you and your pet have. Losing a pet’s unconditional love, no matter how long they have been with you, can rival the loss of a family member. “There is a stigma around pet loss and grief, even though it is a huge loss. Some people deal with the grief of making a difficult decision when their pet is sick. I can be there to help people remember their pet in a good way and not get stuck on those feelings. Let them know everything they are feeling is okay,” explains Amanda. Every session is a reminder of the pawprint Lupin left on Amanda’s heart.

When she is not out running around the parks and beaches of Traverse City with dancing doodles and loving labs, Amanda and her Australian shepherds, Chief Fluff Officer Noodle, and Chief Chaos Officer Goose, are working for the community. To support the Cherryland Humane Society, she started a calendar contest that has raised over $23,000 in the last two years. Bringing together pet-friendly businesses to support the pets in need in our community.

Amanda’s passion shines through her ability to capture the connection between pets and their parents. She values providing a safe space where you can let her be in charge and capture moments of pure love between you and your pet. As pet lovers know, a pet’s life is never long enough, but Amanda can provide a tangible way to keep your pet’s memory close. She reflects on a legacy session with a rescued 19-year-old dachshund who recently passed. “She had a really hard first 17 years of her life, but then was rescued by her mom. She was so happy. You could feel the love between them,” she says with a tear and a smile. “Those photos are the most special.”

Amanda would love to capture the bond between you and your pets, but if you are trying to capture a couple of extra photos for the ’gram on your own, she has some tips for you:

  • Always keep a handful of treats with you
  • Make their favorite sound or say their favorite word to get their attention

Learn more at amandalewisphoto.com