Waya the Wolfdog: Honoring a Wild cild with Celebration Photography
Waya the Wolfdog: A Celebration of Wild Love and Loyalty
Some dogs come into our lives and change everything. For Sydney, that dog is Waya—an 11-year-old wolfdog, her first heart dog, and the fiercest, wildest, most loyal companion she's ever known.
When Sydney reached out, it wasn’t to “book a session someday.” It was urgent. Waya had just been through a series of visits to NC State, including surgery. With only one working lung, her breathing was labored, and Sydney wasn’t sure how much time they had left. But she knew one thing for certain: she wanted to capture Waya now, while she was still here.
Why Celebration Sessions Matter
Waya’s session wasn’t just about preserving memories. It was about seeing her. Really seeing her. For who she is—stubborn, strong, majestic, and deeply loved.
We took it slow. Every movement was measured to avoid stressing Waya’s breathing. But even in her fragile state, her spirit was unmistakable. Especially in the moment she climbed a small hill, turned into the golden light streaming through the trees, and stood—still and proud. That image? It took my breath away. Her shaved side from surgery is visible, yes. But more than that, her wild soul is on full display. That’s what matters.
Celebration Sessions aren’t just for saying goodbye. They’re about saying, “You mattered. You still do. And I will remember you forever.”
From Portraits to Legacy Artwork
After the session, Sydney chose two powerful ways to keep Waya’s presence alive every day:
An 8x8 leather album with a cameo cover, filled with her favorite images. A tactile, personal heirloom she can hold in her hands.
A large metal print proudly displayed inside her training facility, Wild Child Dog Training. Metal is one of our most popular options—it brings out stunning color and detail, and it’s durable and easy to clean (a must in a dog-training space!).
Even when Waya is no longer physically here, her face will greet Sydney and her clients every day. That’s the power of printed artwork. It doesn’t just document a dog’s life—it keeps their story alive.
A Gentle Reminder
If you're thinking about booking a session for your senior dog, or a dog with a serious diagnosis, don’t wait. But also—don’t wait just because. Every stage of your dog’s life is worth remembering.
Waya’s photos show her strength, her wild beauty, and her quirky personality (especially the ones where she clearly wasn’t feeling the hugs—classic Waya!). Her story is unique. But the love? That’s something we all understand.
Let’s create something lasting—for the dog who changed everything. Book your Celebration Session here or message me to learn more.