This Photo Series Shows How Adopting a Dog Totally "Changes" a Family For the Better

By Murphy Moroney
Anna Angenend
Anna Angenend

When photographer Anna Angenend finally caved and rescued a dog from San Antonio Pet's Alive shelter that her daughter Mia had been begging for, she wasn't sure what she'd be in for once Lucy got home. But after a brief learning curve, something amazing happened: Mia and her pup became best friends for life. Anna put her photography skills to the test by capturing some of her favorite moments between Mia and Lucy in a beyond adorable photo series called "Life With Lucy." Although it's seriously the purest thing you'll ever see, it wasn't all sunshine and roses in the beginning.

"Lucy chewed EVERYTHING at first. That was a battle for Mia, because she sacrificed a few toys, and I lost all my patio furniture," Anna told POPSUGAR. "Eventually I learned the best hacks to get pet stains out of the carpet (vinegar and baking soda) and how to get her to stop chewing. We all learned and grew together, and it got easier. I also learned that it takes about two hours at the dog park to completely wear out Lucy, then she would come home and be calm and tired the rest of the day."

In some cases, getting a new pet can be almost as stressful as having a newborn, but now Anna can't picture her life without Lucy:

"It's changed me. I am a neat freak and never imagined I would be OK with having everything in home home getting dog hair on it. But I don't care; it's worth it. It's kind of like parenting to me; it has it's challenges, but it's well worth it in the happiness and memories it brings you. I'm amazed at how much personality a dog has. She is a part of our family, she brings us all joy, she is protective and kind. When my husband comes home from work, Lucy will practically knock us over so she can greet him first."

And the biggest blessing of all for Anna? Seeing her little girl with her furry friend. "Mia doesn't have a sibling (yet), so Lucy is her constant playmate, cuddle bug, and her go-to gal pal to get into trouble with. Lucy gets very jealous when she sees Mia petting other dogs, and she will run over to Mia and make sure she gets some attention."

Scroll through to see Lucy and Mia's journey so far.