Photo by Kim Ortiz
Today’s good news comes from CBS Austin. Thanks to The Producer for finding it.
Austin Photographer Giving Shelter Dogs a Second Chance Through the Power of a Portrait
Austin, TX — In a small studio at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave, Kim Ortiz spends her days capturing beautiful wall portraits of families and their dogs. But in recent years, her camera has taken on an even deeper purpose.
Ortiz, owner of Kim Ortiz Portrait Art Studio, has launched a new initiative called Second Chances Dogs, a sponsorship program designed to help shelter and rescue dogs get adopted faster through professional photography.
Photo by Kim Ortiz
“I have five rescue dogs,” Ortiz said. “They have the best life. Every dog deserves a loving home, a bed to sleep on, a sofa to hang out on, not to live in a cage or a shelter.”
More Photos by Kim Ortiz
For more than 12 years, Ortiz has supported animal rescues through her studio. But as shelters in Austin and across the country became overcrowded after the pandemic, she knew she wanted to do more.
“A professional photo of a dog with good lighting highlights their personality,” she explained. “Especially black dogs. Without proper lighting, they just look like a blob in a cell phone photo. Studio lighting creates a glow on their fur. Every dog deserves a beautiful portrait.”
The program works by pairing local businesses and individuals with shelter dogs in need of updated adoption photos. Sponsors cover the cost of a professional photo session ($100 per dog) and, in return, receive a social media shoutout, recognition on program materials, and the knowledge that they helped a dog find a home.
Currently, 12 dogs have been photographed through the program thanks to the program’s founding sponsors, KOPA Real Estate Media and Amber Hart Homes. Those dogs include:
Five from PAWS Shelter of Central Texas in Dripping Springs
Six from Austin Pets Alive
One from Dogs Without Borders Austin
Ortiz says her focus is on long-stay dogs, those who have been in shelters for more than six months. At Austin Pets Alive alone, more than 50 long-stay dogs are waiting for homes.
“Shelter dogs can be more challenging to photograph,” Ortiz said. “They’re not used to lights or cameras. You have to be calm and patient. But it’s absolutely worth it.”
The professional portraits are shared on Ortiz’s social media pages, the Second Chances Dogs Instagram and Facebook pages, and are reshared by the shelters.
The program is now seeking 20 founding sponsors in total and hopes to partner with two additional rescue organizations.
“With the Second Chances Dogs program, we exist because businesses who truly love and support rescues sponsor the dog’s photo shoot,” Ortiz said.
For Ortiz, it’s simple: “Every dog deserves a second chance.”
The good news in this story is that Someone is helping dogs find a forever home. Today’s JohnKu talks about helping out. I hope you have a super weekend.
Step In by John W. Howell © 2026
There are many ways,
We can use our special gifts . . .
To help where we can.
Fiction Favorites 
Heartwarming post, John. Thank you for sharing this story with readers. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for the lovely comment, Gwen. 😊
LikeLike
This is brilliant!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree. She does such nice work. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is brilliant John and thank you for sharing and the fact Kim has
adopted five of her own illustrates the kind of person she is as well as
being a talented photographer..hugsxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, Sally. It’s like putting money where her mouth is. Wishing you a beautiful day. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a sweet program.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel the same, Craig. Thanks. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anything to help rescue dogs is aces with me!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me, too, LIz. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
So cute and photogenic.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They are. Shows the talent of the photographer.
LikeLike
Yes! What a wonderful idea to help dogs find their forever home.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, Teri. Thank you.😊
LikeLike
She is some kind of wonderful to do this. Anything to get these dogs out of a shelter and into a loving home. This is great, John.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, Lois. A shelter dog is a miserable dog. They need someone to love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for this good news and your nice johnku, John. It’s great that she uses her talent to help the dogs get a second chance, and good that the shelters reshare her photos.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, Tim. A win-win all around.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve read about a photographer doing this type of thing (might even have been this one) and it is a beautiful thing! The more rescues that can be adopted, the better.
Thanks for sharing this and have a wonderful Friday, John!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Have a wonderful Friday as well, Dale 😊 Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great idea! I enjoyed sharing this with our son and daughter-in-law who have a still very needy rescue pet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All ours have been rescues as well. Thanks for sharing, Joy. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re all so gorgeous. Makes you feel good. Thanks for sharing, John.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Esther.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I love this.. I so agree❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLike
Yay! Love this 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me.too, Denise. Thanks 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It breaks my heart to see shelter dogs, and I pray each of them gets adopted. Huge thanks to this photograpaher, who helps them get there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Noelle. Thanks for the lovely comment. 😁
LikeLike
You do find great articles for this post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊 Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful idea. It warmed my heart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine, too, Thomas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great idea and kind thing to do. I love it when shelter animals find homes. We’ve had many over the years, and I loved every one of them. Thanks for the smile, John. So appreciated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it too. Thanks, Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The JohnKu sums it up by perfectly. The photographer is using her special gift for a wonderful cause. Have a great weekend, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a great weekend as well, Steve. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very great idea you informed about, John! Each one with a own personality, worth to be valued. Please enjoy a nice weekend! Best wishes, Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Michael. Wishing you a nice weekend as well.
LikeLike
Glamour shots for dogs! Happy spring to your household.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jpo. Happy Spring to your household as well. 😊
LikeLike
Any program designed to help dogs find loving homes is a win in my book. Kudos to Kim for doing this work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Pete. Thanks. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
An angel in your community. I would adopt all of them, if I could. Heartwarming share. Thanks so much, John and a lovely weekend to you and yours! 🐶
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Michele. Wishing you a lovely weekend as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] terrific related Good News post by John W. […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Big smiles here, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad, Jennie. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bless Kim for all her great good work, and those handsomest, beautifulest, goodest friends who yes, all deserve the happiest of homes.
PS- Twitter is back, LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
She needs to be blessed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She really does.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful initiative. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry I’m so late responding to this feel good story. As you can imagine, this story hits my heart in a special way. There are a couple of professional pet photographers here donate their time to help shelters find homes for pets and the results speak for themselves (lots of new fur-ever homes!).
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are never late, Monika. Just delayed. I know you have a lot going on right now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re always so kind and gracious, John. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person