Name: Nala - 4 y/o
How long has Nala been in the family? 3.5 years
Family Members: Jaklyn, Riley - 13 y/o Boxer Mix & Blue - 9 y/o Cane Corso
Profession: Administrative Assistant at Ultimate Software.
Location: Marietta, GA.
Nicknames: Nalabear, Bug, Buggy, Nala Dolla
5 of the best words/phrases to describe Nala?
- Goofy
- Cuddlebug
- Sweet
- Shy (without her brothers around)
- Hyper
What makes Nala unique? She has the cutest underbite.
Relaxing with a friend!
Rescue Story: I was at Petco on a Saturday buying dog food for Blue and Riley. I saw that Cherokee Humane Society had dogs up for adoption right outside. I normally pass right by because “I don’t need another dog”, but this time as I was walking by, Nala caught my eye. She was so cute and had an underbite that I couldn’t resist. I picked her up and asked the lady about her. She was only 3 months old and I had always heard that “pit bulls are vicious” and somewhat believed it with all the awful stories in the news. I grew up with dogs and figured I could raise a “good” pit bull. The lady at adoptions told me to take her home for a week and see how she does. The next Saturday, I went back to Petco and signed the adoption papers. 4 years later I can assure you, the stereotypes are not true and I will never adopt a different breed. Pitties are the best!
Puppy Nala heading to her forever home!
What is your favorite pastime as a family? Hiking, playing outside, chasing her around the house, & playing hide and go seek.
What is life like since you rescued Nala? She fit in right away and I'm not sure what I would do without her. She’s so goofy and has such an awesome personality. She’s spoiled rotten and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Photographers Note: I met Jaklyn through our local pit bull parents group and have been gently nudging her to volunteer for Shine A Light whenever I see her. I mean you just have to look at that cute Nala girl and see why I might want to photograph her and feature her here. I had another photo shoot scheduled in her area, and the week before I sent her an email to see if she was available and thankfully she was and agreed to do it.
As a typical mid July day in Atlanta, it was a hot and humid one. So we decided to do the family shot first before all the subjects got a little too hot. It was an absolute riot to get these 3 dogs to cooperate and once they did it was gold. Riley decided he wanted to stay by me, so I had to walk him up to the porch and get him situated, while Jakyln wrestled with Blue and Nala. Honestly, these sorts of situations are really part of what makes this project so much fun. These pups have no idea why they are being asked to pose like this and look at some woman with a squeaky duck. So all you can do is laugh and live in the moment just like the dogs!