Chicago Family Photography: Benny the Maltese!

A young woman with orange hair hugs her maltese dog photography by candice c. cusic
Family portrait of three Asian sisters by Candice C. Cusic

Benny Through His Family’s Eyes: A Beloved Elderly Maltese

Benny, the family’s beloved elderly Maltese, was a cherished companion and a source of countless happy memories. His recent cancer diagnosis made it all the more important for his family to capture and celebrate the special moments they shared. Through the eyes of his three human sisters, Benny’s presence has been a constant source of joy, comfort, and love.

The Protector: The Eldest Sister’s Guardian

To the eldest sister, Benny has always been a gentle guardian. His comforting presence and attentive nature made him a reliable confidant. She fondly recalls how Benny would follow her around the house, always ready to offer a gentle nudge or a warm snuggle when she needed it most. His protective nature was a reassuring constant in her life.

The Playmate: The Middle Sister’s Bundle of Joy

For the middle sister, Benny has been an endless source of laughter and playfulness. His playful antics, from chasing after toys to wagging his tail in excitement, filled the home with joy. The middle sister treasures the fun and light-hearted moments they shared, whether it was playing fetch in the backyard or snuggling on the couch. Benny’s cheerful personality brightened every day and created an unbreakable bond.

The Comforter: The Youngest Sister’s Source of Love

To the youngest sister, Benny has been a source of unconditional love and comfort. His gentle kisses and warm presence were a soothing balm after long days. The youngest sister appreciated his quiet companionship and the way he would curl up beside her, offering silent support. Benny’s loving nature was a constant reminder of the simple joys of companionship and loyalty.

A Joyous Family Portrait Experience

The family felt immense joy and gratitude when they finally had the opportunity to include Benny in their family portraits. It was a long-awaited moment, as they wanted to commemorate the bond they all shared with him. The session was filled with smiles and laughter as they captured candid and heartfelt moments with Benny, who stole the show with his adorable expressions and calm demeanor. The photos from that day became cherished keepsakes, beautifully capturing the love and connection that defined their family.

The family expressed how much it meant to them to have these portraits, especially given Benny’s health. They felt a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness knowing they had preserved these precious memories. The images serve as a beautiful testament to their love for Benny and the joy he brought into their lives.

Want a special family portrait experience of your own? Contact us here!

0 comments
Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

    Chicago Pet Photographer

    The See Hear Love Project™ wouldn't exist without the incredible rescue organizations that trusted me with the stories of the animals in their care.

Thank you for believing in an idea that was a little different, for opening your doors, and for introducing me to some truly unforgettable animals.

I'm so excited to share the latest sizzle reel for The See Hear Love Project™.

Every featured animal received a documentary film, fine-art portraiture, and an animal communication session designed to help people connect with the individual behind the adoption profile.

My hope has always been simple: to tell stories that help more animals find forever homes.

Thank you to every rescue, foster, volunteer, adopter, and supporter who has been part of this journey. This is only the beginning.
    Avalanche wasn't interested in being the center of attention.
⠀
He just wanted to be close.
⠀
Please visit my page to see Avalanche's full story.
⠀
"I don't want
⠀
to be alone."
⠀
— Avalanche
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueRabbit @reddoorshelter
    Dama arrived at the studio in a wheelchair.
⠀
That was the first thing I noticed.
⠀
It was also the least interesting thing about her.
⠀
What I remember is her determination.
⠀
Her curiosity.
⠀
Her joy.
⠀
Please visit my page to see Dama's full story.
⠀
"Maybe I'm not a misfit.
⠀
I just have more to love."
⠀
— Dama
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueDog
    I created The See Hear Love Project to help animals like Blanca.
⠀
Painfully shy. Dumped on a road before the rain came. Nervous around strangers. Ears down. Tail tucked.
⠀
For those new to the project, these are not carefree, well-adjusted animals. Many have experienced neglect, abandonment, fear, or loss.
⠀
Sometimes we only get one photograph when they truly relax.
⠀
Thankfully, we only need one.
⠀
Please visit my page to see Blanca's full story.
⠀
Special thanks to @sayvanimalorg for bringing Blanca to The See Hear Love Project.
⠀
"All I want
⠀
is to feel loved and safe."
⠀
— Blanca
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueDog
    One of the best things about photographing Ramona is watching everyone react to a pig in the building.

People stopped.

They smiled.

They took selfies.

One gentleman asked if I could wait so he could FaceTime his girlfriend because she loves pigs.

The hardest thing about photographing a pig is that pigs don't stop moving.

Ever.

This portrait worked because Ramona kept walking in circles, allowing us to see her body and face at the same time.

Not shown: Ramona chewed up the paper backdrop on set. Her pig squeal echoed through the studio—loud, proud, and impossible to ignore, just like Ramona herself.

"Thank you

for saving my life."

— Ramona

The See Hear Love Project combines professional photography and animal communication. Each portrait is paired with one of the most powerful messages the animal shared during their communication session.

Seen. Heard. Loved.

@chicagolandpigrescue

#TheSeeHearLoveProject #RescuePig #SeenHeardLoved
    Some dogs don’t just fit into a family — they become part of its heartbeat.
⠀
Eddie was pure joy to photograph with his two favorite people. The connection between them was effortless, loving, and completely real.
⠀
These are the moments worth remembering.
    Meet Zeno.

After being surrendered by his owner, Zeno has spent more than a year waiting at Red Door Animal Shelter for someone to choose him.

And somehow, after all this time, he’s still soft. Still trusting. Still hopeful.

Cats like Zeno don’t need perfection. They just need someone willing to see them.

Seen. Heard. Loved.

📍 Red Door Animal Shelter

🐾 Available for adoption

    Our location

    Located in downtown Chicago.

    1821 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60622

    By appointment only

    info@cusicphoto.com

     

    Available for travel internationally, for pets & family photography, and education for photographers. Send us a note for details or reach us by phone at 312-248-2939.

     

    Privacy Policy