BGSU Senior Photo Session. Bowling Green Ohio. Class of 2018.

Ashton is spunky, bubbly and full of excitement for life. She just graduated from Bowling Green State University and decided to treat herself to graduation portraits. Ashton wanted a mix of images on campus and in a more natural setting. We chose Wintergarden Park, a local Bowling Green favorite, as our second location.

Ashton's session got rescheduled twice due to April showers. As we were arranging the details for the third date, she told me about her rescue dog, Buddy.

I immediately asked "Why is he not coming to the session?!"

Ashton responded to my text message in, what I chose to imagine was a squeal, "I can do that?!"

Pet photography is one of my most favorite things and I will include fluffs every chance I get. I could tell you all about Ashton and Buddy but I will let her tell you...

About Ashton:

What three words would you use to describe your personality? I'd have to say goofy, fun-loving and hopeful.

What is one thing you could never live without? Ian, (boyfriend) says that it would be McDonald's, ha, ha. I think it would have to be photos. Photos make it possible for generations to pass along to the next generation an idea of what it was like while they were growing up and they also help you to not forget someone and what they look or looked like. They are amazing little memories of life.

What is your most precious keepsake? It is a necklace that was made for me after my grandpa (PaPaw) passed away last year. It has his finger print on it and I have it hung around a photo frame with a picture of him and I together.

What do you enjoy doing? I enjoy reading, listening to music with the car windows rolled down on a nice sunny day, cuddling with Buddy on Mom and Buddy days, and crafting.

Who is one person you look up to? I would have to say my MaMaw. She has always been there when I needed her with the right amount of love and the right amount of "Ashton are you sure" haha. She has owned her own dog grooming shop for more than 23 years and has never given up. She always finds a way to make everything right and still keep her composure. Even while my PaPaw was sick, she was right there taking care of him and still running her own business. On the outside she didn't seem to be skipping a beat. just to help everyone else stay as positive as they could. She's a beautiful, strong and amazing woman and I love her to pieces!

Do you have plans for after graduation? If so, what? It's been 12 days since I graduated and to be honest, it hasn't felt any different. I've been working at the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel for over a year now as a Reception Ambassador and as a People Services Coordinator and I love it! One day soon, though, I hope to make my way into the Event Planning Industry with the help of my new Bachelor's of Science in Tourism Leisure and Event Planning. Ian, Buddy and I have started house hunting (more like brainstorming what we like and do not like) which is extremely exciting and nerve racking at the same time so wish us luck.

Scroll on to hear about Buddy!

About Buddy:

Where did you rescue him? We adopted him from the Wood County Humane Society, he had been there for just over a month.

How would your describe his personality? His personality is so human like!

What is your favorite thing about having him as part of your family? My favorite part about having him in our little family is watching him when we come home. Even if I go downstairs to do laundry, the moment I walk through that door he is running back to the bedroom to grab his toy and brings it back out like, “Hey hey, look at me, look what I got but you can’t have it because it’s mine.” He makes me feel so happy and loved.

Buddy and Ashton are inseparable. Buddy is an older dog and past his prime training age. Ashton said he only knows a couple of commands but both she and Ian make sure to work with Buddy to give him the structure and stability he deserves. He is a sweet dog and he was so much fun to work with.