Summer and Moose: Still Stealing Hearts, All These Years Later

Apr 30 2026 | By: Stephanie Richer Photography

Summer and Moose: Still Stealing Hearts, All These Years Later

Senior Italian Greyhounds Summer and Moose pose together on a vintage chair during a Knoxville pet portrait session.

Summer and Moose: Still Stealing Hearts, All These Years Later

Portrait of senior Italian Greyhounds Summer and Moose standing together on a sunlit stone path in a lush Mediterranean garden.

As a nod to the provenance of Italian Greyhounds, I set Summer and Moose in a sunny Mediterranean garden.

Some dogs age.

Summer and Moose have matured.

There’s a difference.

If you’ve been around Knoxville’s pet-loving circles for a while, you may already know these two Italian Greyhounds. Summer and Moose had their own little moment of local fame years ago when they were featured by WBIR back in 2016. And honestly, once you see them, it is not hard to understand why.

Italian Greyhounds already look like tiny aristocrats who have misplaced their palace staff. Summer and Moose take that natural elegance and add their own mix of sweetness, drama, and “yes, of course everyone is looking at me.”

Now, both of them are senior citizens.

But old? No.

They have aged like fine wine.

Or perhaps like something served on a silver tray by someone who understands presentation.

Summer, the smaller and lighter of the two, still has the kind of delicate little face that makes you want to gather her up and promise her the world. Moose still carries himself with dignity, charm, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting.

Together, they are a matched set of grace, personality, and heart.

Senior Italian Greyhound Summer poses on a wooden table against a dark blue backdrop during her Knoxville pet portrait session.
Senior Italian Greyhound Moose lounges on a pink tufted chair during a Knoxville pet portrait session.
Senior Italian Greyhound Summer poses on a wooden table against a dark blue backdrop during her Knoxville pet portrait session.
Senior Italian Greyhound Summer poses on a wooden table against a dark blue backdrop during her Knoxville pet portrait session.
Senior Italian Greyhound Summer poses on a wooden table against a dark blue backdrop during her Knoxville pet portrait session.

Bill’s Beloved Children

Summer and Moose belong to Bill Cameron, a teacher at Episcopal School of Knoxville who is well known for his skill and professionalism in the classroom.

But outside the classroom, it is very clear that Summer and Moose are his children.

There are pets who are loved, and then there are pets who are woven into the daily fabric of someone’s life. These two are family in every way that matters.

They have shared ordinary mornings, holidays, routines, quiet evenings, and all the small moments that become enormous when we look back on them later.

That is what dogs do. They turn everyday life into something worth remembering.

Portrait of Italian Greyhounds Summer and Moose posed on a stone bench inside a classical Roman atrium with columns, a fountain, and a statue.

Custom portrait of Italian Greyhounds Summer and Moose in a classical Roman atrium, created as an homage to the breed’s heritage. Columns, a fountain, and soft light give the scene a timeless sense of elegance.

Costumes, Santa, and a Little Greyhound Glamour

I have photographed Summer and Moose before, including with Santa Claus, and they have never once disappointed.

One of my favorite things about them has always been their costumes. Bill’s mother makes them herself, and every time I see what these two are wearing, I am reminded that some people are using their talents exactly as the universe intended.

Forget fashion week.

Give me Italian Greyhounds in homemade couture.

Frankly, it is a travesty that Anna Wintour has not yet extended an invitation to the Met Gala. Summer and Moose have been serving looks for years, and unlike half the humans on the carpet, they would actually understand the assignment.

Summer and Moose don’t just wear costumes. They inhabit them. Possibly with mild judgment, because Italian Greyhounds are not known for hiding their opinions.

And somehow, that just makes them more perfect.

Senior Italian Greyhound Summer poses on a pink chair wearing a handmade costume with pearls during a Knoxville pet portrait session.
Senior Italian Greyhounds Summer and Moose pose together on a tufted pink chair during a Knoxville pet portrait session.
Senior Italian Greyhound Summer poses on a wooden table wearing a gold handmade costume against a dark blue backdrop.

January Dog of the Month Winners

Summer and Moose are the January winners of my Dog of the Month Contest, and I cannot think of a more deserving pair.

They are beautiful, yes.

But more than that, they are beloved.

They are the kind of dogs who remind us why portraits matter. Not because dogs sit perfectly. Not because they behave like trained models. Heaven forbid. But because one day, these images become part of the story we are so grateful to have had.

No matter how many years go by, our dogs remain our babies.

They still steal our hearts.

They still make us laugh.

They still look at us with those familiar eyes and remind us that love does not become smaller with age.

It becomes deeper.

Summer and Moose are older now. So are the rest of us, though we need not dwell on that unpleasant little fact, *ahem*.

But they are still here.

Still adored.

Still elegant.

Still ridiculous in the best possible way.

And still stealing hearts, just like they always have.

Two Italian Greyhounds sitting in an open wooden chest against a dark background.

Ready to Celebrate Your Own Heart-Stealing Dog?

Whether your dog is a wiggly puppy, a dignified senior, or a tiny tyrant in a sweater, they deserve to be remembered exactly as they are right now.

Portraits are not just for “someday.” They are for this season of life — the cloudy eyes, the gray muzzles, the sideways glances, the ridiculous expressions, and all the little things you love more than you can explain.

If your dog has been stealing your heart for years, let’s create portraits that honor that love.

Contact Me Today!

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