The Seen & Saved Initiative Reaches Its 2025 Goals in Wilmington NC

More than 300 adoptable pets photographed and 225+ find homes through local pet photography

This week felt like a moment I’ve been working toward for a long time. When I first launched the Seen & Saved initiative in Wilmington, NC, the idea was simple. If I could help get high quality photos of adoptable pets in front of more people, maybe more of them would finally get the chance they deserve. I work with shelters and rescues across coastal North Carolina, including New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick Counties. I didn’t know how big it could get, or how many hours it would take, or how many shelters would reach out, but I knew it mattered.

As of this week the initiative has officially met both of its 2025 goals. More than 300 adoptable pets have been photographed this year, and 225 of those pets have been adopted. I still can’t fully wrap my head around those numbers. I think about the dogs that were terrified the moment they stepped in front of the camera, the ones who pressed their entire body into me for comfort, the ones who zoomed in chaotic circles until we got one perfect shot. I think about the cats who looked straight into the camera with that classic “I run this place” energy. Every single one of them deserved to be seen.

These numbers represent long days, endless amounts of treats, and sore muscles I definitely felt the next day. But more importantly, they represent pets finding homes, families growing, and shelters getting a little breathing room. I’m proud of the work, but even more proud of the people who have shared posts, sponsored sessions, fostered, adopted, and showed up in their own ways. The Wilmington community has always shown up for animals in need and I am grateful for every bit of support.

Looking ahead, my goal is to expand the initiative in 2026 and photograph even more adoptable pets across North Carolina. Our shelters stay full and high quality adoption photos have a direct impact on helping pets find homes faster. I want these numbers to keep climbing and I want to reach even more animals next year.

Thank you for supporting this mission and for helping shelter pets in Wilmington NC get the visibility they deserve. If you are interested in sponsoring adoption photos for 2026 or want to learn more about how sponsorships help local shelters, you can reach out any time. Together we can help even more pets get Seen and Saved.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORSHIP HERE