As you’ve all heard me say time and time again… pets are part of the family! I encourage anyone who gets on the other side of the lens to bring their pups along to get the complete family photo at their session. And just like we treat our kiddos to special milestone photos, why not do that for our puppies too?!


Christmas of 2023, my mom got a new puppy. I had always wanted to get a dog for Christmas. Like the whole nine yards being wrapped up under the tree and then jumps out for Christmas morning snuggles. Of course, she waits until I’m out of the house so then we did a year of milestone photo sessions just for fun. To close off the year, we did a puppy cake smash this October to celebrate his first birthday!

Adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy wearing striped holiday sweater with red bow on white background.
Small puppy sleeping under Christmas tree in wooden doll bed with plaid blanket next to wrapped presents.
Sleeping puppy wearing red Santa hat lies next to teddy bear on white fur with Christmas decorations in background.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wearing birthday crown next to cupcake on wooden board.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sits next to large wooden 'ONE' letters and blue cake at outdoor first birthday photoshoot.

Pet photography is always tricky but, in the end, so worth the memories. This photo session was no different! To put icing on the cake (pun intended, even though our doggy cake didn’t have any frosting), I decided to make a smash cake for this special photo session and thought I’d share it here. Whether you’re celebrating your pup’s first birthday or tenth, give this a try for a little added treat for their special day!

Ingredients:

  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
  • ½ apple, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
Four small white bowls containing peanut butter, sugar, a brown egg, and chopped garlic arranged on dark wooden surface with pink leaves.
Creamy orange-colored dip or sauce served in a white ceramic bowl surrounded by pink eucalyptus leaves on wooden surface.


Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
  3. Grease a small ramekin or baking dish and pour in the batter.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Let cool for a few minutes before removing from the baking container.
  6. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely before serving.
  7. (Optional) Top with a little peanut butter frosting for an extra treat!
A cappuccino cup with dusted powdered sugar on top sits on a wooden surface covered in cocoa powder.

And I’ll say it once more for the people in the back… your pets are part of your family! Their milestones deserve to be celebrated too! Whether you want to book a photo session just for your furry family member or include them in your next family session, I’d love to capture those memories and the bond you share. Reach out to plan your next photo session to capture those moments you’ll cherish forever – paws and all!

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wearing gold party hat and patterned shirt smiles at camera while standing on autumn leaves.
Close-up of powdered sugar dusted dessert soufflé in a white ramekin with apple slices and chocolate on rustic surface.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog with black and white fur curiously sniffing a peanut butter cookie on wooden surface.
Happy children and their dog celebrate with a cupcake and party hats in a wooded outdoor setting.