The Ears That Chose Her: Ms. Lourie & Callie’s Love Story

Some love stories begin with a sign—and for Ms. Lourie, it came in the shape of a pair of ears.

“I went to the local animal shelter and was shown the cutest dog with one ear up and one down,” she shared. “My previous dog had the same ears. I felt that it was a sign that this was the dog for me. She has been my constant companion ever since.”

That dog was Callie, a 7 ½–year-old Chihuahua/Jack Russell Terrier mix whose spunky personality and loving heart have filled Ms. Lourie’s life with laughter and loyalty ever since.

Callie isn’t just a pet. She’s family, a constant shadow, and the little spark that makes every day brighter. And thanks to Dr. Stacey O’Quinn at Riverwalk Animal Hospital, Callie has received the loving veterinary care that helps her thrive year after year.

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When you look at the portrait of Ms. Lourie holding Callie—her joy radiating, Callie’s tongue-out smile, and yes, those unforgettable ears—you can feel the love between them. This isn’t just a picture. It’s a piece of their story, preserved forever. That’s why we believe so deeply in the importance of physical artwork in your home. While a cell phone photo might capture a moment, but a portrait displayed on your wall captures the heart of a bond for generations.

That’s the heartbeat of what we do through our premiere portrait photography services here at Castelo. In our high-end portrait studio, we create artwork that turns fleeting moments into heirlooms—art that you don’t just see, but feel every time you walk past it.

Because in the end, these portraits remind us of what really matters: the love we share, the stories we live, and the companions—like Callie—who rescue us right back.

Ms. Lourie’s session was part of our Who Saved Who project, where we get to shine a light on the sweet, life-changing connections between people and their pets. If you’ve got a story of your own, we’d love to hear it! Click here to apply and see if you’re a good fit—we can’t wait to celebrate you and your furry best friend.

“True portraiture goes beyond faces and expressions; it preserves the very essence of connection, so that love may live on long after the moment has passed.”