Meeting a New Rescue in Eastern North Carolina

Some places stay with you long after you pack up your camera gear.

This was my first time working with Farm and Feline Sanctuary, and from the moment I arrived, it was clear this wasn’t just a stop along the way for these dogs. It was a safe place. A calm place. The kind of place where animals exhale.

Farm & Feline Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 nonprofit in Eastern North Carolina dedicated to saving lives. While their primary focus is cats, they also open their doors to other animals in need. Right now, they provide sanctuary to more than 85 animals, including dogs, horses, alpaca, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and more.

Their mission is simple and powerful: reduce the number of homeless cats through rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption, while promoting responsible pet care. And when dogs need help, they show up for them too.

Eight Dogs, One Second Chance

This Rescue Photo Day focused on eight dogs who came to Farm & Feline Sanctuary from San Bernardino City Shelter.

These pups were at risk due to extended shelter stays and rising kennel stress. Farm & Feline does not accept owner surrenders or public drop-offs. Instead, they work closely with shelters and community organizations to free up space and support animals already in the system.

These eight dogs needed visibility. They needed a chance to be seen outside of a kennel. And that’s where photography can change everything.

Simple Setup, Big Impact

We photographed the dogs twice. First outside, running, exploring, and just being dogs. Then we moved indoors.

I brought a simple studio setup to the Dog House. One backdrop. One light. Nothing fancy. We set up right near the washer and dryer, at the front of the building. It wasn’t about perfection. It was about personality.

Every dog did incredibly well. A couple were slightly nervous at first, which is completely understandable. That’s what treats, patience, and love are for. Within minutes, tails relaxed, eyes softened, and real expressions came through.

Many of the dogs surprised me. Instead of wanting to play, several chose to sit close to the staff. They leaned in. They asked for affection. It was clear how safe they feel here and how strong their bond is with the people who care for them every day.

Simon

Simon is our 6-year-old Shiba Inu. Simon loves to show off his personality. He loves chest rubs and having a small dog as a companion. Simon is working on his trust in people but does a little happy dance once he knows you are a safe place. If you have the time to invest in this little guy, he is worth the reward.

Oakland

As unique as he is handsome. Oakland loves to hug and boy does he love to run! Oakland would do best in a home with a large fenced in yard or with a family that loves to explore the outdoors. He loves kids! Oakland would do well in a single dog household or home with cats!

Nico

Talk about a great dog, meet Nico! Nico is super chill. Nico does great with kids and other dogs. He has a wiggly personality and prances like a show dog. Nico loves to fetch and go on walks. Nico would make a great addition for family with kids or someone who loves to spend time outdoors.

Lizzie

If you are looking for a pocket sized cuddler, look no further. Lizzie loves to snuggle and be held. She is also down to play in the yard but she will spend a good amount of the time sitting at your feet looking up at you. She has mastered the sploot or we call it her "doggie yoga." Lizzie does well with kids and small dogs. She would make an awesome addition to any family.

Flan

Flan is probably one of the best hip-huggers out there. Her eyes will melt your soul and her gentle kisses your heart. She has a calm and soft demeanor. She loves to play fetch or chew on a toy. She can be a huge cuddle bear or great exercise partner. Flan is an all-around amazing dog and would make a great addition to a family with kids or one who enjoys some outdoor adventure.

Bodhi

Bodhi is our 9-year old Shih-Tzu. Although Bodhi is mostly blind, he gets around with ease. He has no fear and loves to go on walks. When not on walks Bodhi curls up in bed. You can find him snoozing for the majority of the day. Bodhi is house trained, good with children and hangs out with cats and dogs. He loves food and does a cute little tail wag and dance at feeding time! If you want a chill companion, Bodhi is the guy for you!

Miko

She’s as goofy as they come, loves belly rubs and can happily self-soothe when it’s time to relax. She loves playing with her toys—she never gets tired of entertaining herself. Miko loves the outdoors. Miko is a strong energetic girl making her best suited for a household without small children or seniors and with the time to make sure she is well exercised. If you love the bully breeds, Miko is your girl!

A Win Worth Celebrating

One of the eight, Zuzu, has already found her forever home.

That’s the goal. Every single time.

The remaining dogs are still available for adoption, and each one will be featured individually below. These images are also being used on a billboard to help them reach even more potential adopters. Farm & Feline Sanctuary is fully committed to doing everything they can to help these dogs find the right homes.

Why Rescue Photo Days Matter

Great photos help dogs get adopted. Period.

They allow people to see past the label of “shelter dog” and connect with an individual. A face. A personality. A moment.

This Rescue Photo Day was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Winters Custom Yachts. Their support directly helped give these dogs a stronger chance at finding homes.

Local businesses and individuals can also sponsor Rescue Photo Days. Sponsorships help cover time, travel, and equipment so more rescues can benefit from professional imagery without added strain on their resources.

If you’re interested in sponsoring a future Rescue Photo Day, you can learn more here by clicking HERE.

Supporting Adoption in Eastern North Carolina

If you’re looking for adoptable dogs in North Carolina, Farm & Feline Sanctuary is doing incredible work quietly and consistently.

If you’re a business owner looking for a meaningful way to give back, sponsoring rescue photography creates real, visible impact.

And if you’re simply someone who loves dogs, sharing these images helps more than you might realize.

Every dog deserves a safe place. Every dog deserves to be seen. And sometimes, all it takes is one photo to change everything.

Follow Farm & Feline Sanctuary’s Journey

If you want to keep up with these dogs, celebrate future adoptions, and see the day-to-day work happening behind the scenes, I highly recommend following Farm & Feline Sanctuary on social media.

They regularly share updates, adoption stories, and glimpses into life at the sanctuary, and every follow helps amplify their mission.

Follow along here:
Instagram
Facebook

Supporting rescue doesn’t always start with adoption. Sometimes it starts with awareness, sharing a post, or simply staying connected.