The Barkday Planner

When Amanda Shaw, owner of The Barkday Planner, booked Haute Dog Pet Photography to create captivating pet portraits of her family in November 2022, we had no idea it would be the beginning of so much more. Bonding over our giant packs of dogs, (Amanda’s 7 and my 6), a love of salsa, and shared trials and tribulations as small business owners in the pet industry, Amanda quickly went from client to business buddy to friend. It wasn’t long before we started contemplating whether we were actually separated at birth – both of us with degrees in Neuroscience, birthdays in September, a penchant for sparkly size 8 shoes, a flare for the dramatic, and a love of black licorice.

Wide angle portrait of a husband and wife standing with their 7 dogs lined up in front of them.

We’ve all heard it’s difficult to succeed as a small business. On average, 20% fail in the first year, 30% fail in their second year, and only 50% of small businesses make it to their 5th year anniversary. Both Haute Dog Pet Photography and the Barkday Planner have beaten these odds and are a part of the 43.2% of U.S. small businesses owned by women. We’re taking a moment to raise a glass and say “Happy 5th Anniversary, The Barkday Planner! Cheers!”

As small business owners in the pet industry, Amanda and I are constantly looking for ways to elevate our respective businesses. With this in mind, an exciting partnership was formed. Haute Dog Pet Photography and The Barkday Planner are the perfect complement to each other. The Barkday Planner’s fun and imaginative “pawtys” are the perfect way to celebrate your pet, and Haute Dog Pet Photography is thrilled to make those memories live forever! In July 2023 we launched our first collaboration – party photo sessions celebrating birthdays, gotcha days, beating the odds, and more.

Portrait on a yellow background of Robyn from Haute Dog Pet Photography and Amanda from The Barkday Planner celebrating a Saint Bernard's birthday with a balloon arch and cake.

Since then we’ve enjoyed working together on several occasions. Amanda has brought her creative touch to several of our pet portrait sessions, making our client’s experience even more exciting (next collaboration drop coming soon!). And Haute Dog Pet Photography has enjoyed photographing some of The Barkday Planner’s Pawtys, including their 5th anniversary celebration on National Dog Day!

National Dog Day is observed August 26th annually, celebrating all dogs and helping to raise awareness of the number of dogs in need of adoption. I had the best time celebrating The Barkday Planner and capturing photos of all the fun at Birdie’s Social Club in Fort Worth. Dogs and their people posed for photos in front of the massive balloon arch and PAWTY sign (courtesy of Meadows Marquees), enjoyed a refreshing beverage while their dogs enjoyed a pup cake or pup cup (sponsored by Barkalicious Biscuit Bar and Bakery Noire), enjoyed the humorous dog caricature artist (Bubble Head Caricatures), and met adoptable dogs from Doodle Rock Rescue.

The Barkday Planner poses in front of a large marquee PAWTY sign decorated with rainbow colored balloons.

In September, we teamed up with The Barkday Planner for an epic 16th birthday party for Boba the Maltese mix. Amanda pulled out all the stops for this dog party celebration in the theme of Mean Girls, morphing movie references into pink party perfection at Light Box Studios in Dallas. Dog cake and treats by Barkalicious Biscuit Bar, droolworthy human macarons by Bakery Noire, dog party hats by Buster’s Party Shop.

Maltese mix dog licks a birthday cookie at a party designed by The Barkday Planner and photographed by Haute Dog Pet Photography.

We look forward to new and fun ways to collaborate with The Barkday Planner in our mutual goal to celebrate the greatest pets on the planet – yours!

Check out the original luxury dog party planning service and The Barkday Planner’s pawty packages, then come back and read more about our professional pet portraits here. Haute Dog Pet Photography has been highlighted as one of the top 100 pet photography websites and blogs of 2023!