I didn’t know how the story would end when we launched Pooch Playoffs.
I just knew I wanted to do something meaningful — a little fun, a lot of heart, and a way to shine a spotlight on the incredible dogs and people in our Coeur d’Alene community. What I didn’t expect was the kind of beautiful detail that makes you stop, catch your breath, and feel like the universe is winking at you.
All four finalists — Loki, Marnie, Toby, and Hoss — were rescues from Companions Animal Center.
Every. Single. One.
A Competition That Became Something More
When the votes were counted and the confetti settled, we weren’t just looking at four adorable winners. We were looking at four alumni — dogs who had once waited in that very shelter for someone to choose them — coming full circle to raise money for the pups still waiting.
That’s not just a competition. That’s a story worth telling.
Watching Loki, Marnie, and Toby show up (and show off) to help their brothers and sisters find forever homes? It’s the kind of moment that reminds you why community events like this matter. Why rescue matters. Why showing up for each other — human and four-legged alike — is always worth it.
The Number That Means Everything: $1,600
I’m proud to share that I donated a check for $1,600 to Companions Animal Center — every dollar raised through Pooch Playoffs, going directly to the dogs still waiting for their second chance.
Because that’s what this was always about. Not a photo competition. Not follower counts or bragging rights.
It was about using what I love — photography, community, storytelling — to create something bigger than any one image.
Every rescue deserves a second chance. And sometimes, the ones who already got theirs come back to help create those chances for others. 🐾
None of This Happens Without You
Events like Pooch Playoffs don’t come together on good intentions alone. They take generous people who believe in the mission.
A massive thank you to our sponsors who made this possible: ·
Will Bailey and Valerie Reynolds of Vet Valet — for sponsoring the event, creating those stunning cornhole boards for the grand prize, and championing this cause from day one. · CDA Pet Market — for their community-first spirit. ·
Northwest Pet Resort — for loving on local pets every day. ·
CaddyShack — for showing up for the community. ·
Trails End Brewery — for pouring their support into this. ·
Paws N Brews — a perfect fit for an event like this. ·
A Nu Look — for believing in what we were building. ·
Doc Holly Pet Vet — for keeping our community’s pets healthy and happy. ·
Pawbulous Dog Bakery — for being absolutely pawsome.
And to my personal dream team — Darren Best, Dallas Edens, Shayla Micklon, Rhiannon Edens, and Marilyn Edens — thank you for being my biggest supporters through every step of this. You are the BEST (pun fully intended).
What’s Next
Seeing what this community can do when we come together for something that matters? It’s fuel.
Best Life Photography was built on the belief that moments are meant to be captured, celebrated, and shared. Pooch Playoffs reminded me that the most meaningful moments aren’t always the ones in front of my camera — sometimes they’re the ones you help create for others.
To Companions Animal Center: thank you for the incredible work you do every single day. To the dogs still waiting — your people are out there. We’re rooting for you.
And to Loki, Marnie, Toby, and Hoss — you were already champions the moment someone chose you. This just made it official. 🐾
Want to support Companions Animal Center directly? Visit them in Coeur d’Alene or search for your next best friend at their shelter. Adoption saves lives.
www.companionsanimalcenter.org