We interviewed Sam Schultz From Chicago, IL, USA with his pup, Daxter!
Tell us about Daxter!
“Daxter is a hilarious and adorable 65lb mixed breed rescue pup from One Tail at a Time animal rescue in Chicago. His DNA test results identified him as 50% great pyrenees, 25% plott hound and 25% bulldog. He's named after the early 2000s video game Jak and Daxter.”
Where did you meet your Daxter?
"I met my pup while doing volunteer photography for One Tail at a Time to help spread visibility of their adoptable pups. Daxter had heartworm disease and couldn't play in the yard like the rest of the pups, so we took him into the supply room for a chill hangout. He came right up to me and leaned into me for pets, then gave me his paw to hold for the next 20 minutes straight while we cuddled on the floor. I don't generally believe in fate but I knew immediately that he was the dog I was meant to adopt, and he has been the absolute perfect partner since."
Who are you? What are you about!
“I'm a freelance pet photographer! Just last week I left my desk job to dive headfirst into making my photography side hustle my full-time job. I've photographed over 500 dogs and fundraised over $19,000 for animal rescue, mutual aid, and racial equity organizations since 2019 through photography. I regularly photograph shelter pups at One Tail at a Time and CACC.”
Tell us a story!
“He loves people SO much - something as simple as glancing in Daxter's direction gets him excited. He could be laying next to you for 30 minutes while you read, and as soon as he sees you peer over the book at him his tail will start helicoptering. He's just a pure bundle of joy.”
What do you think it means to be a pet? What is a pet's purpose in this life?
“A pet is a member of the family! I believe that *our* purpose as pet-parents is to make our pets' lives fulfilling, interesting, and full of joy. ”
How does your pup spark joy in your life?
“Everyone who meets Daxter comments on how he's almost a human. He's got crazy-good emotional intelligence and always matches your energy. He'll come cheer you up when you're down, get excited when you do, or pass out for hours while you're bored doing work. He also looks incredibly dapper in a tie. ”
What do you think are the most pressing issues that are in the pet industry today?
“Humane Treatment of Animals.”
Do you think it's more important to talk about the issues or act on them?
"Act: Volunteer or donate to help the animals out there in need.”
Thank you for sharing your story! We hope this will Spark someone to go out and make a difference in an animal’s life. We are so lucky to have doggies in our life!
Check out their Instagram Here @dogsandnotdogs
Check out their Facebook Here @dogsandnotdogs
- Sparky Steps
As a thank you for sharing your story we designed a cool tee and mug for you and anyone who loves Daxter! Let us know what you think! If you like it feel free to share! 10% of Proceeds gets donated to the ASPCA!
10% of Proceeds gets donated to the ASPCA!
We are looking for people to interview that have a story! Do you have a tale of how your fur babies found its forever home?
Join us with the #SPARKandBARK interviews. Tell us how your pets "SPARKS" joy in your life and "BARK" about it to the world. This way maybe someone will find their own SPARK and find a pet looking for a forever home. Each response will be featured on our Instagram, Facebook and Blog. Just send us a picture of you and your pet and tell us the back story!
That's the goal here at Sparky Steps: inspire, share adorable pictures, make an impact, give back and create a community of people who love animals. Interested in being a part of the community?
Here's the link https://sparkysteps.com/blogs/blog/whats-your-story